Job Description
The Settlement Officer is a key operational leader responsible for overseeing the entire loan settlement lifecycle within a digitally integrated environment. This role involves managing end-to-end digital settlement processes, ensuring robust compliance (including anti-fraud measures), and coordinating precisely with clients, banks, and conveyancers via secure platforms. The Officer ensures stringent accuracy, proactive regulatory compliance, and operational resilience, directly impacting loan turnaround time, customer experience, financial integrity, and transaction security.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead and oversee the full digital settlement workflow and documentation accuracy using automated verification tools.
Act as the primary contact and escalation point for all complex settlement cases, including potential cybersecurity or fraud concerns.
Validate and authorize secure payment processing, refunds, and adjustments, monitoring for unusual transaction patterns.
Ensure all settlements comply with up-to-date financial policies, credit approvals, and client contribution rules.
Communicate with conveyancers, bank officers, OFIs, and builders via secure, encrypted channels to resolve complex issues and manage exceptions.
Conduct a final quality check on loan contract packs versus formal approvals, managing digital approval workflows and amendment requests.
Certify readiness for settlement (client, bank, conveyancer, OFI) and manage the final electronic lodgment process.
Mentor and train Settlement Assistants on emerging regulations and new settlement technologies, delegating tasks and supervising quality.
Conduct periodic settlement compliance checks and reporting, adapting to changes in legislation.
Qualifications / Requirements
Proven experience in mortgage settlements, conveyancing, or a related financial services operations role.
Strong understanding of banking regulations, First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) legislation, and advanced Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols.
Proficiency with relevant CRM, finance/settlement software, secure bank portals, and digital signature/identity verification tools.
Ability to handle high-risk case management and complex client/stakeholder communication.
Accountable for zero-major-error settlement submissions, emphasizing data integrity and security standards.
Relevant certifications in financial compliance or cybersecurity are a plus.
