"Merchant Services Operations Analyst"

OVERVIEW

This is a 1 year fixed term position.

The expected pay range for this position is $116,995 to $120,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Introduction

Stanford University seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world and, in turn, is dedicated to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.

Stanford’s Business Affairs provides administrative policies, infrastructure, systems, services, and support for the benefit of the university community.

Financial Management Services (FMS), a department within Business Affairs, is responsible for creating an ecosystem which promotes innovative and sound financial administration policies and practices that balance controls, compliance, and customer service. FMS is primarily responsible for financial policy oversight, quality assurance and financial services at Stanford University and its affiliated entities. It also serves as a liaison to the hospitals and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). The FMS work environment is grounded by core values that include cultivating growth, celebration and appreciation, and collaborating with curiosity in order to nurture an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, respected, and can thrive.

JOB PURPOSE

Stanford Merchant Services (MS), part of the Office of the Treasurer, provides the university-wide infrastructure for credit/debit card and digital payment acceptance. Following significant growth, including the launch of UniRev (CardinalPay) and winning the AFP Pinnacle Award, demand for new merchant onboarding, operational support, and payment consulting continue to accelerate.

As the Financial Analyst 2 supporting Merchant Services Operations, you will play a central role in the day-to-day financial, operational, and compliance management of Stanford’s enterprise-wide payment acceptance environment. You will manage complex operational workflows, partner with financial and technical stakeholders across 370+ merchant units, and ensure seamless, compliant payment operations that enable revenue collection across the university.

This role is ideal for a candidate who thrives in an operational finance setting, enjoys solving nuanced business problems, and is energized by supporting a high-impact program serving schools, departments, labs, clinics, and auxiliary units across campus.

CORE DUTIES

Operational Finance & Data Analysis

• Design and perform analyses of large, complex financial data sets, including transaction-level payment receipts data. Reconcile complex accounts, research discrepancies, and prepare month-end close materials for merchant revenue streams.
• Assemble data for operational and strategic decision-making; prepare high-level summaries, dashboards, and recommendations for MS leadership and university partners.
• Conduct ad hoc financial modeling, transaction mapping, and performance metrics reporting to support program forecasting and continuous improvement.

Merchant Services Program Operations

• Manage the daily and month-end operational processes for the Merchant Services program, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to internal controls.
• Serve as an operational lead for Stanford’s acquirer relationships, payment platforms, and third-party service partners.
• Oversee system administration and user access for MS-owned and vendor applications; create and maintain merchant accounts and user profiles.
• Facilitate operational support for CardinalPay, coordinating with campus departments, University IT, Financial Management Services, and vendors to ensure smooth onboarding and ongoing platform stability.

Compliance & Controls

• Execute internal controls and compliance programs, including annual PCI DSS attestation for all university merchants.
• Track and manage PCI training requirements for staff across campus; create or update compliance documentation and reporting as needed.
• Support internal and external audit activities, ensuring readiness of documentation and clear communication with auditors and unit stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Program Development

• Participate in the analysis of existing payment, accounting, and operational processes; recommend and help implement improvements that increase scale, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance operational documentation, standard operating procedures, merchant training materials, and knowledge resources.
• Contribute to Merchant Services strategy, helping the team evolve its service model as the university’s payment ecosystem continues to grow.

Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Support

• Provide consultative support to campus departments on payment acceptance, technical requirements, financial operations, and policy considerations.
• Partner with vendors, IT teams, and internal clients to troubleshoot issues, assess new opportunities, and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for all merchant units.
• Manage operational components of the loaner equipment program for mobile POS terminals, including inventory tracking and deployment.

Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience in financial operations, payment processing, merchant services, accounting, or a related field - or a combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced proficiency with Excel and Google Workspace; comfort working with large data sets and financial systems.
• Knowledge of GAAP and strong understanding of financial reconciliation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems and processes in a decentralized environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex operational or financial concepts for non-technical audiences across the university.
• Strong customer service orientation, problem-solving skills, and ability to anticipate downstream impacts.
• Demonstrated project management skills; ability to support or lead parts of multi-functional initiatives.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in payment card operations, payment platforms, acquiring, fintech, or merchant account management.
• Knowledge of PCI DSS requirements and emerging digital payment technologies.
• Relevant certifications in finance, accounting, IT systems, or program management.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly sit; frequently perform desk-based tasks, use telephone, write by hand, and sort/file paperwork.
• Occasionally stand/walk and lift/carry 11–20 lbs.
• Rarely reach/work above shoulder.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Routine extended hours during peak periods.
• Occasional travel to school/unit locations across campus.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.