Compliance Specialist

Electronic Merchant Systems is seeking a qualified candidate for Compliance Specialist in Cleveland, OH.

Position Overview:

• Responsible for assisting with compliance research and resolution.

Job Responsibilities:

• Research compliance issues and assist with providing the best resolution
• Work with clients on account issues and concerns
• Review and analyze legal document requests
• Pull and upload file documentation
• Liaison between outside counsel and upper management
• Act as subject matter expert for Client Services team
• Act as a point of contact for escalated issues

Qualifications

Position Summary

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring adherence to card network rules, regulatory requirements, and internal policies within a payment processing environment. This role will lead responses to card brand violation programs and monitor merchant compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor compliance with card network rules (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), including dispute and fraud monitoring programs
• Manage and respond to card brand violations, including:
• Visa VIRP
• Mastercard BRAM
• Draft and submit remediation plans, representment strategies, and compliance responses within required SLAs
• Conduct merchant reviews and ongoing due diligence (KYC/KYB) to identify high-risk or non-compliant activity
• Investigate alerts related to potential compliance violations through website monitoring
• Monitor and review retroactive MATCH alerts
• Maintain detailed documentation of violations, responses, and remediation efforts for audit and regulatory review
• Support internal and external audits, including evidence gathering and control validation
• Assist in updating compliance policies and procedures aligned with evolving card brand and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in payments, compliance, or risk management within a merchant acquiring environment
• Strong working knowledge of card network monitoring programs and thresholds (Visa, Mastercard)
• Experience responding to card brand violations and managing remediation plans
• Familiarity with PCI DSS, AML/BSA, and OFAC requirements
• Strong analytical and investigative skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to manage sensitive data in accordance with privacy and security standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with chargeback management platforms and fraud monitoring tools
• Experience interacting directly with card brands or sponsor banks
• Knowledge of merchant vertical risk profiles and prohibited/restricted categories

Key Competencies

• Card network rule interpretation and application
• Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation
• Data analysis and trend identification
• Written communication (formal responses to card brands and partners)
• Cross-functional collaboration under tight deadlines

***If you are located in Cleveland, Ohio this position is onsite***