Central Operations Specialist 1

Job Summary

The Central Operations Specialist is responsible for performing back-office operational functions and supporting branch personnel with day-to-day operational needs, with a focus on client service, operational integrity, and risk mitigation. This role includes processing, reviewing, and completing operational reports, as well as performing operational tasks to fulfill client requests and support regulatory and legal transactions.

The Central Operations Specialist provides guidance to branch staff to ensure compliance with Bank policies and procedures, prepares periodic reporting to support operational performance monitoring and governance, and delivers high-quality customer service while resolving issues in a manner consistent with Bank objectives and initiatives. This role requires maintaining a professional image in both appearance and communication at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare, review, and complete all operational reports required by the Bank within established deadlines.

• Effectively manage daily workload to meet or exceed departmental Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Process incoming requests in accordance with established procedures using multiple communication and workflow systems.

• Maintain daily internal controls to protect the Bank, including processing branch stop payments, alerts, and other department-owned reports.

• Identify operational gaps or inefficiencies, recommend solutions, and implement approved process improvements to enhance productivity and accuracy.

• Process legal attachment orders, including levies, writs, and subpoenas, in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Review and resolve JHA Positive Pay exception items.

• Perform IRS tax reporting corrections and related maintenance.

• Prepare and respond to verification of deposit requests.

• Perform system maintenance input and verification as assigned by management.

• Process rate changes at both the account and service-charge levels.

• Analyze, calculate, and process interest rate adjustments.

• Submit periodic federal and state withholding payments and reports, including the annual IRS Form 945 filing.

• Provide operational support to Branch Operations personnel, responding to inquiries and resolving issues in compliance with Bank policies and regulations.

• Manage the department email and e-fax inbox, including responding to inquiries, routing items to appropriate staff, and maintaining records in accordance with department procedures.

• Comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, internal policies, and Bank security guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with the department’s Tour of Duty program, including conducting training sessions and providing feedback to participants.

• Actively participate in Bank- and department-wide incentive plans and project initiatives

Central Operations Specialist & Classifications

The Central Operations Specialist position includes multiple levels, each of which is defined in the Central Operations Specialist Classifications document. This document outlines the specific level distinctions and includes additional essential duties, required knowledge, and skills applicable to each classification.

Compliance Responsibilities - Non-Supervisory

Complies with all applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements, Financial Elder Abuse reporting laws, Sexual Harassment prevention policies, and information security and privacy requirements.

Identifies unusual or potentially suspicious activity and promptly elevates such activity to supervisory staff and/or the BSA/Compliance Department in accordance with established policies and procedures. Completes required compliance, regulatory, and job-related technical training, including assigned workshops and continuing education, within required timeframes.

Required Knowledge

• Bank Protection Act

• Regulation CC

• Bank Secrecy Act

• Regulation D

• Fair Credit Reporting Act Overview

• Regulation DD

• Privacy Act

• Regulation E

• FDIC Insurance

• New Accounts Procedure

• Operations Policy and Procedures

• Teller Operations

• Branch Operations (Teller, New Accounts, and Operations

• Safe Deposit Box Procedures

Skills & Competencies

• Strong critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-management skills

• Effective customer service skills with a professional demeanor

• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and quality.

• Effective time-management, planning, and organizational skills

• Strong telephone and professional communication skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Effective process-improvement and analytical skills

• General consulting and advisory skills

• Strong reporting and documentation skills

• Quality-focused with attention to operational controls.

• Working knowledge of Bank operations systems, including AS400, Synergy, and Laserfiche

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Visio

Equipment Operated

• Operates standard electronic computers and customary office equipment required to perform essential job functions.

• Use of equipment is required, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Nothing in this description is intended to limit the availability of reasonable accommodation under applicable law.

• Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with office and computer-based work.

• Ability to sit and or stand for extended periods of time to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to use hands and fingers to manage, manipulate, or feel objects and operate standard office equipment.

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with a controlled temperature and standard office conditions.

Education and Experience

• Degree, if applicable, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Knowledge of core banking systems preferred but not required.

• Three (3) or more years of banking experience with a strong working knowledge of banking operations

Minimum Absence Requirement - Two Weeks

As part of the Bank’s internal control and risk management framework, positions with access to critical systems, records, or processes are designated as sensitive positions. Consistent with sound banking practices, employees assigned to sensitive positions are subject to mandatory consecutive absence requirements to support segregation of duties, facilitate independent review, and reduce the risk of errors, irregularities, or unauthorized activities.

This position has been designated as a sensitive position. Accordingly, the employee is required to complete a minimum of two (2) consecutive weeks of absence from assigned duties during each calendar year, in accordance with Bank policy. The absence will be scheduled in coordination with management to ensure continuity of operations while maintaining effective internal controls.

Administration of the mandatory absence requirement, including paid or unpaid status, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour and leave laws, including California requirements, and consistent with Bank policy.

Officer Title Eligibility

For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title based on the role’s job level, scope of responsibility, and alignment with established competency frameworks. Officer Title designation is subject to the employee meeting defined competency requirements and is governed by applicable Bank policies and approval standards. This position is eligible for the following Officer Title(s): Assistant Vice President.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $20.50 – $30.50 per hour.

The actual hourly rate will be based on job-related factors, including skills, experience, location, and alignment with the Bank’s compensation structure.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserve the right to modify, amend, or discontinue job duties or requirements at any time. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment, either express or implied, or alters the at-will nature of employment.