Payment Operations Manager

About the Client Our client is a growing European FinTech company operating in the regulated financial services and payments sector. The company is expanding its operations and strengthening its payment infrastructure, with a strong focus on efficiency, compliance, and scalable processes. Role Overview We are looking for a hands-on Payment Operations Manager to oversee daily payment and back-office operations, manage financial controls, and contribute to the development of efficient and scalable processes. You will take ownership of payment processing, safeguarding, reconciliations, treasury activities, and operational reporting while supporting payment infrastructure and system improvement initiatives. This role offers a high level of autonomy and the opportunity to build and lead the Back Office function as the business grows. Key Responsibilities - Manage end-to-end payment and back-office operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. - Process and monitor client and internal payments, including verification, authorization, and transaction controls. - Oversee safeguarding processes, including daily reconciliations and compliance with regulatory requirements. - Manage treasury operations, liquidity monitoring, nostro account balances, and relationships with banking partners. - Support payment infrastructure projects, including SEPA connectivity, operational testing, and implementation. - Participate in core payment system improvements, including business requirements gathering, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and data migration. - Prepare internal operational and regulatory reports, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. - Develop, document, and improve operational procedures, controls, and reporting processes. - Identify operational risks, resolve payment-related issues, and implement process improvements. - Contribute to the development and future management of the Back Office team as the company expands. Requirements - 2–3+ years of hands-on experience in payment operations within FinTech, banking, Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), or Payment Institutions. - Strong understanding of payment infrastructure, financial operations, and payment processing workflows. - Practical knowledge of SWIFT MT/MX, SEPA Credit Transfer, and SEPA Instant. - Understanding of safeguarding requirements and reconciliation processes within regulated financial institutions. - Experience in payment processing, reconciliation, treasury operations, or liquidity management. - Experience working with operational controls, internal reporting, and financial processes. - Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities. - Proactive, independent, and hands-on approach with a strong sense of ownership. - Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate with internal teams and external partners. - Languages: English and Russian. Nice to have - Experience establishing or improving operational processes in a startup or growing FinTech company. - Experience with payment system implementations, integrations, or migration projects. - Previous experience mentoring colleagues or coordinating back-office activities. Key Soft Skills - Strong ownership, accountability, and initiative. - High attention to detail and accuracy when working with financial transactions and data. - Problem-solving mindset and a proactive approach to operational challenges. - Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines. - Flexibility and adaptability in a growing business environment. What We Offer - A key role in a growing European FinTech company operating in a regulated environment. - Opportunity to take ownership of payment operations and contribute to building scalable processes. - Direct involvement in payment infrastructure development and operational improvement projects. - High level of autonomy and decision-making responsibility. - Opportunity to grow into a leadership role and build the Back Office function. - Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's operational development.