Payment Operations Lead at Klasha

Job Description

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations & set up mechanisms/processes to monitor payment success rates 24/7 across banks, partners, merchants and improve the same through operational excellence.
• Monitor and manage payment processing systems to ensure optimal performance, identifying and resolving any issues that arise.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for payment operations, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all processes.
• Partner with product, and engineering to implement new payment products, expand capabilities and expand our functionalities across borders
• Identify and manage relationships with financial institutions, payment processors, and other key vendors/partners, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
• Negotiate contracts with payment processors and other service providers to ensure favorable terms and conditions for Klasha as we expand to other geographies and improve our products.
• Ensure all payment operations comply with relevant regulatory requirements, including AML/KYC, data protection, and other financial regulations.
• Work closely with the compliance team to monitor and mitigate risks associated with payment processing, including fraud prevention and detection.
• Conduct regular audits of payment processes and systems to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Analyze payment data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings or process improvements.
• Lead initiatives to optimize payment processing costs, improve transaction speed, and enhance overall customer experience.
• Assist the Head of Finance in budget planning and management activities, including financial forecasting.
• Conduct comprehensive financial analyses to inform strategic business decisions and identify efficiency opportunities.
• Prepare financial reports and statements, ensuring timely and accurate communication of the company's financial position to relevant stakeholders.
• Gain exposure to treasury functions, enhancing understanding of cash management, investment and debt management, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate closely with the Reconciliation Specialist to ensure accurate and complete financial records, coordinating regularly to verify transaction data.
• Depending on organizational needs, may specialise in specific areas such as taxation, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, etc. Responsibilities will adapt to accommodate these specializations as required.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in payment operations, financial services, fintech, or a related industry
• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Extensive experience with payment processing systems, gateways, and related technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of AML/KYC, data protection, and financial regulations related to payment processing.
• Strong understanding of payment routing, settlement processes, and reconciliation.
• Experience integrating payment systems with banks, processors, and third-party services.
• Proven experience in leading teams and functions.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and explain financial information effectively.
• Understanding of the African payments ecosystem.