Merchant Settlements Associate
Location: Dubai, UAE
  
Meraki Talent is seeking a detail-oriented Merchant Settlements Associate to join a growing Finance team within a fast-paced financial technology environment.
  
This opportunity offers exposure to multi-currency payment environments and modern financial infrastructure, including digital asset and cryptocurrency settlement ecosystems.
  
The Role
  
As Merchant Settlements Associate you will be responsible for supporting the execution and accuracy of merchant settlement activities across payment systems and internal financial records.
  
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth processing of merchant fund flows, resolving settlement-related discrepancies, and supporting daily operational activities. Working closely with Finance, Operations, Account Management, and external payment partners, you will help maintain high standards of financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and merchant support.
  
Merchant Settlement Execution & Fund Flow Support

• Support daily merchant settlement activities, ensuring timely and accurate fund transfers.
• Monitor settlement flows across payment processors, banking partners, and internal systems.
• Prepare settlement calculations, including deductions and net payouts.
• Track settlement cycles (e.g., T+N structures) and escalate delays or inconsistencies where necessary.
• Maintain accurate fund flow records in line with internal procedures.

Settlement Reconciliation & Validation

• Reconcile settlement data across payment processors, internal platforms, and financial reports.
• Validate transaction and settlement information from multiple data sources.
• Identify and investigate discrepancies relating to settlements, fees, and transaction activity.
• Assist in resolving reconciliation breaks and settlement exceptions.

Merchant & Stakeholder Support

• Support internal teams with settlement-related queries and information requests.
• Assist in responding to 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
• Payout timelines and settlement schedules
• Provide clear and accurate information to support effective stakeholder communication.
• Escalate complex issues as appropriate.

Account Monitoring & Financial Controls

• Monitor merchant accounts for discrepancies, outstanding balances, or irregular activity.
• Maintain records relating to settlement positions and reserve balances.
• Support due diligence activities relating to merchant financial information.
• Ensure adherence to internal financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Escalate potential risks or inconsistencies to senior team members.

Reporting & Data Management

• Prepare and maintain daily, weekly, and periodic settlement reports.
• Ensure settlement records are accurate, complete, and audit-ready.
• Identify trends, discrepancies, and potential risks through data analysis.
• Support financial reviews and audit processes through accurate record keeping.

Process Improvement & Operational Support

• Identify opportunities to improve settlement processes and reduce manual effort.
• Support automation initiatives and operational enhancement projects.
• Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, scalability, and control frameworks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and Account Management teams to support settlement activities.
• Liaise with payment processors, banking partners, and other external stakeholders where required.
• Support the onboarding of new merchants by ensuring settlement requirements are appropriately established.

  
The Person

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience
• 1-3 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 assets or cryptocurrency environments is advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with accounting and ERP systems such as Xero, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of payment processing, settlement workflows, and reconciliation processes.
• Exposure to digital asset platforms or wallet infrastructure is beneficial.

Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies effectively.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Exposure to cryptocurrency or digital asset ecosystems.
• Understanding of merchant acquiring, payment gateways, or payment processing operations.
• Experience using reconciliation or settlement platforms and tools.

  
What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package aligned with market standards and experience.
• Comprehensive medical insurance from day one.
• Access to learning and development opportunities to support career growth.
• Collaborative, multicultural working environment.
• Regular team-building activities and employee engagement initiatives.
• Recognition programmes that celebrate 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.