First American Bank was founded in Chicago, and over the years has expanded throughout Wisconsin and Florida. As the largest privately held bank in Illinois, we now have over 60 locations and assets of $5+ billion. We are a community bank at heart with international expertise, traditional values, and a forward-looking philosophy. Our employees have the experience and vision to meet the needs of savers, borrowers, and businesses in the 21st century. First American Bank can offer employees a level of visibility, career growth, and stability that is difficult to find in many larger corporations.

The Wire Transfer Manager is accountable for the overall management of the Wire Transfer Department and for maintaining service integrity. It requires extensive knowledge of operational procedures, Dodd Frank Act, OFAC, REG E, and Swift. In addition, this individual provides an advanced level of customer service, supports areas of internal control, and requires awareness of management goals regarding to policies and procedures.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the overall management and support of the Wire Transfer department. Manage monthly reporting to analyze trends and work with Senior Management to adapt activities to mitigate risk and increase productivity.
• Create an effective work environment by developing a shared vision, setting clear objectives, expecting teamwork, recognizing outstanding performance, and maintaining open communications.
• Oversee and develop the Wire Transfer Assistant Manager to manage the daily activities of employees within the department, coordinating and prioritizing requisite duties and daily assignments while appraising employee productivity and performance.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the wire transfer system. Lead and oversee the implementation of upgrades to the wire transfer system. Conduct tests for system upgrades to ensure wire transfers can continue to be completed.
• Maintain and apply an in-depth understanding of remittance transfers and regulations, including Dodd Frank Act, OFAC, REG E, Swift, etc. Apply in-depth knowledge to justify and implement changes to applicable company-wide policies and procedures in accordance with the applicable regulations.
• Work with the Wire Transfer Assistant Manager to develop individualized training plans for underperforming employees within the department. Use managerial experience to correct common mistakes relating to production within the wire transfer department.
• Track team performance to meet or exceed department standards. Review quality control on archived wires and documents, as well as review documents collected by the Wire Transfer Assistant Manager for annual auditing purposes.
• Conduct daily and monthly reporting and research of key performance metrics.
• Responsible for reviewing and approving incoming and outgoing wires of significant monetary values that rise above staff approval limits. Ensure approved wires meet security standards to mitigate financial risks for the Bank.
• Build positive relationships with branch personnel and key business units to coordinate workflow, training, and coaching.
• Support the efforts of the Wire Transfer Assistant Manager for employee hiring, training, staff development, timecard approval, scheduling, and direct assistance with coverage of daily workloads when needed. Facilitate the cross-training of staff to ensure that all shifts always have adequate coverage.
• Utilize employee performance reviews to monitor production value within the department.
• Ensure staff is cross-trained in all wire functions and can perform responsibilities to meet or exceed department standards.
• Assist in the investigation and resolution of customer-related issues as escalated by the Assistant Manager.
• Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of wire transfer or Bank Operations Management experience required.
• Previous experience in a supervisory role with demonstrated leadership experience utilizing solid decision-making and critical thinking skills to simplify complex problems required.
• Proven track record of solid decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• A history of academic and/or professional success with a persistent desire for professional development and a proven track record of achieving results.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a professional environment.
• Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
• Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.
• Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
• Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft O365 products and applications, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
• Previous professional experience with one or more core banking deposit systems.
• Experience with Finastra's PAYplus/Payments To Go wire systems a plus.
• Occasional travel to other First American Bank locations, Bank functions and training facilities may be required.
• Department hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need, including the occasional Saturday.
• System testing and upgrades require support after hours.
• Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank's customer service standards.