Sr Specialist Settlement Operations

At Western Union, we’re more than a trusted name in global payments. We’re moving beyond remittances, beyond cash, and beyond the expectations of our customers.Our talented teams enable us to transform into a digital-first company, built on the strength of our retail foundation and powered by next-generation payments. All this with the goal of helping people prosper.Our customers inspire us to push boundaries and create services that make life easier and communities stronger. Wherever you are in the world, we’re committed to shaping the next generation of financial experiences.
Join our Settlement Operations team as a Senior Specialist and serve as a trusted subject matter expert driving operational excellence across complex settlement processes. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic initiatives, support global projects, resolve complex operational challenges, and champion continuous improvements that enhance efficiency, controls, customer experience, and business performance.
Role Responsibilities
As a Senior Specialist, Settlement Operations, you will serve as a key subject matter expert responsible for the execution, oversight, and continuous improvement of complex settlement operations. You will ensure operational performance targets are achieved, provide expert support for high-priority issues and escalations, lead process improvement efforts, and safeguard compliance with financial controls, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
Key responsibilities include:Perform and oversee complex settlement operational activities, ensuring transactions are processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with established procedures.Monitor and support the achievement of daily, weekly, and monthly operational performance indicators (KPIs), identifying risks and recommending corrective actions when needed.Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for settlement operations, providing guidance and support for complex inquiries, investigations, and escalations.Partner with agents, financial institutions, business, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex operational issues and deliver high-quality customer service.Lead detailed investigations into settlement discrepancies, reconciliation variances, operational defects, and process exceptions, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.Evaluate operational processes and proactively identify opportunities for process optimization, automation, standardization, and risk reduction.Participate in and support enterprise-wide and global projects impacting settlement operations, ensuring successful implementation and operational readiness.Develop recommendations to strengthen operational controls, improve efficiency, and enhance service quality.Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, audit standards, and risk management frameworks.Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready documentation supporting settlement activities, investigations, and operational decisions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Technology, Compliance, Finance, Product, Risk, and Operations to support strategic initiatives and business objectives.Support knowledge management efforts through documentation, training, coaching, and sharing best practices with peers and operational teams.Act as a key escalation point for complex operational matters requiring advanced expertise and business judgment.
Basic qualifications:5+ years of experience in settlement operations, financial operations, reconciliations, payments, remittance services, banking, or related financial environments.Advanced knowledge of settlement operations, transaction lifecycle management, reconciliation processes, exception management, and financial controls.Demonstrated expertise in investigating and resolving complex operational issues through analytical problem-solving and root cause analysis.Strong understanding of risk management principles, audit requirements, compliance standards, and operational control environments.Experience supporting operational performance management through KPI monitoring, analysis, and process optimization.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data analysis, and financial reporting tools.Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex findings and recommendations to stakeholders at multiple levels.Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred qualifications:Experience serving as a subject matter expert within settlement operations, payments, money transfer, financial services, or fintech organizations.Experience participating in or leading complex operational transformation, system implementation, or global process improvement projects.Demonstrated success identifying and implementing automation, standardization, and efficiency-enhancing initiatives.Knowledge of global settlement processes, funding models, remittance services, and financial institution operations.Experience supporting large-scale operational controls, governance, and regulatory compliance programs.Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or related methodologies.Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multiple business functions and geographic regions.Experience mentoring and developing less experienced team members and serving as a functional leader without direct management responsibilities.