Merchant Settlements Officer
Location: Dubai, UAE
  
Meraki Talent is seeking an experienced Merchant Settlements Officer to join a dynamic Finance team within a fast-growing financial technology environment.
  
Operating in a fast-paced, transaction-intensive environment, this role also offers exposure to multi-currency payment ecosystems and digital asset settlement operations, including interaction with modern custody and wallet infrastructure.
  
The Role
  
As Merchant Settlements Officer you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of merchant settlement activities across payment systems and internal financial records.
  
The successful candidate will play a critical role in managing daily settlement operations, overseeing merchant fund flows, and resolving settlement-related queries and discrepancies. Working closely with Finance, Operations, Account Management, and external payment partners, you will help maintain robust financial controls, ensure settlement transparency, and deliver a high standard of merchant support.
  
Merchant Settlement Execution & Fund Flow Management

• Execute daily merchant settlement processes, ensuring timely and accurate fund transfers.
• Monitor settlement flows across payment processors, banking partners, and internal systems.
• Validate settlement amounts, deductions, and net payouts to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Monitor settlement cycles (e.g., T+N structures) and ensure adherence to agreed timelines.
• Maintain accurate oversight of merchant fund flows to minimise financial and operational risk.

Settlement Reconciliation & Validation

• Perform reconciliation of settlement data across payment processors, internal platforms, and financial reports.
• Validate transaction and settlement information across multiple data sources to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies relating to settlements, fees, and transaction activity.
• Support the timely resolution of reconciliation breaks affecting merchant settlements.

Merchant & Stakeholder Support

• Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders on settlement-related matters.
• Respond to and resolve queries relating to:
• Settlement statements and transaction breakdowns
• Foreign exchange conversions and rate applications
• Rolling reserves and reserve releases
• Fees, deductions, and net settlement calculations
• Balance confirmations and outstanding positions
• Settlement schedules, payout timelines, and funding cycles (T+N structures)
• Provide clear and accurate explanations of settlement flows, balances, and financial adjustments.
• Support strong stakeholder relationships through timely and effective issue resolution.

Account Monitoring & Financial Controls

• Monitor merchant accounts for irregularities, outstanding balances, and settlement issues.
• Maintain and update records relating to rolling reserves, settlement positions, and outstanding balances.
• Conduct due diligence checks to validate financial information and safeguard fund flows.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls, policies, and operational procedures.
• Identify and escalate settlement risks or financial exposures as required.

Reporting & Data Accuracy

• Prepare daily and periodic settlement reports, ensuring completeness and accuracy of financial data.
• Maintain structured, accurate, and audit-ready records of settlement activities.
• Identify discrepancies, trends, and risks impacting settlement accuracy and timelines.
• Support accurate reporting of merchant-related transactions across multiple platforms to ensure readiness for financial reviews, audits, and regulatory requirements.

Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency

• Identify opportunities to improve settlement workflows, enhance accuracy, and increase operational efficiency.
• Support the implementation of process improvements, automation initiatives, and scalable operating models.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations teams to reduce manual processes and improve overall efficiency.
• Contribute to the development of robust settlement frameworks to support business growth and increasing transaction volumes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Finance, Operations, Account Management, and external partners to ensure smooth settlement processes.
• Liaise with payment processors, banking institutions, and digital asset platforms to resolve settlement-related issues.
• Support the onboarding of new merchants and payment partners by aligning settlement, reporting, and operational requirements.

  
The Person

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience
• 3-5 years' experience in merchant settlements, payments operations, financial operations, or a similar role.
• Experience within fintech, payments, e-commerce, or other high-volume transaction environments is preferred.
• Exposure to digital asset or cryptocurrency settlement environments is advantageous.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with accounting and ERP systems such as Xero, Oracle NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of payment processing systems, settlement workflows, foreign exchange applications, and reconciliation practices.
• Familiarity with digital asset infrastructure platforms or custody solutions is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools into daily workflows to improve efficiency, quality, and operational effectiveness.

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to investigate, resolve, and escalate discrepancies effectively.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience within cryptocurrency or digital asset settlement operations.
• Familiarity with merchant acquiring, payment gateway ecosystems, or payment processing operations.

  
What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience and market standards.
• Comprehensive medical insurance from day one.
• Access to learning and development opportunities to support ongoing professional growth.
• Collaborative and multicultural working environment.
• Regular team-building activities and employee engagement initiatives.
• Recognition programmes celebrating individual and team achievements.
• Modern office environment with complimentary refreshments and amenities.

  
Please contact lorna.mcculloch@merakitalent.com for further details and a confidential discussion.