Operations Officer Full Time

A central London-based bank is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Operations Officer to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to gain hands-on experience across transaction processing, financial crime controls, and core banking operations.

• Salary: £35K-£41K depending on experience.
• Hybrid working
• Location: Central London

Main Duties:

Transaction Processing & Payments

• Act as Maker or Checker for payments across systems including SWIFT, BACS, and core banking platforms
• Process inward and outward fund transfers, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Perform end-of-day reconciliations across payments and SWIFT messaging

Financial Crime & Risk Monitoring

• Monitor transactions in line with financial crime and AML regulations (first line of defence)
• Analyse transaction activity to identify risks, trends, and suspicious behaviour
• Review and investigate alerts from screening systems
• Escalate concerns and raise Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) where required

Treasury & Settlements

• Process treasury-related transactions and SWIFT payment instructions
• Support pacs.009 payment messaging and treasury communications
• Maintain accurate records of corporate and vostro transactions

Client & Operational Support

• Respond to client queries via phone and email with professionalism and efficiency
• Liaise with Relationship Managers to gather supporting documentation
• Conduct customer callback verifications for transaction instructions

Controls, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails in line with internal policies
• Support risk and control assessments and reporting
• Investigate reconciliation breaks and resolve discrepancies
• Contribute to process improvements across the operations function

Teller & General Duties

• Support counter services including cash handling and cheque processing
• Maintain cash till balances and deliver excellent customer service

Compliance & Governance

• Adhere to FCA Conduct Rules and internal compliance policies
• Ensure all data is handled in line with GDPR requirements
• Maintain high standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Support internal and external audit processes

Skills/Experience required:

Qualifications

• GCSEs / A-Levels (strong academic performance) or a degree

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Knowledge of financial crime, principles and demonstrate the ability to apply these effectively within payment processing activities.
• Strong customer handling skills are essential
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Confident communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn
• A collaborative team player with a proactive attitude

Desirable skills

2 years’ relevant experience in banking operations

Exposure to MX SWIFT messaging is preferred

Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Interest in banking systems such as SWIFT, BACS, or core banking platforms