ONDC is seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Manager - Settlement & Payouts Systems to own and drive the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of all reconciliation, settlement, and payout processes within the ONDC network. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate and timely flow of funds between buyer apps, seller apps, network participants, and ultimately to the sellers.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in payment processing, reconciliation methodologies, settlement cycles, and payout mechanisms within the finance industry, preferably within the e-commerce domain and with a strong understanding of the ONDC ecosystem.

As a lead, you will be responsible for building and managing processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners, and ensuring the integrity and efficiency of reconciliation, settlement and payout operations.

Responsibilities:

- Process Leadership & Strategy: Define and lead the overall strategy and roadmap for reconciliation, settlement, and payout processes under the existing RSF framework within the ONDC network. Establish best practices and ensure scalability within the existing RSF framework defined within ONDC network.

- End-to-End Process Ownership: Take full ownership of the end-to-end reconciliation, settlement, and payout processes for transactions occurring within the ONDC network, involving buyer apps, seller apps, sellers, and settlement agencies.

- Process Management & Optimization: Continuously analyze, design, and optimize reconciliation, settlement, and payout processes specific to ONDC transactions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, speed, and scalability. Identify and drive automation initiatives.

- Technical Expertise: Leverage a deep technical understanding of payment processing flows, data formats (e.g., transaction reports, settlement files, payout instructions), APIs, and reconciliation tools relevant to the ONDC ecosystem.

- Data Analysis & Reconciliation Leadership: Oversee complex data analysis to identify discrepancies, investigate root causes, and ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of all ONDC transactions and payouts. Establish robust reconciliation frameworks.

- Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external ONDC network participants, & other stakeholders to ensure seamless operations.

- Risk Management & Controls: Identify and mitigate financial risks associated with reconciliation, settlement, and payout processes. Ensure adherence to internal controls, regulatory requirements, and ONDC network policies.

- Exception & Escalation Management: Establish clear procedures for handling exceptions, investigating complex issues, and managing escalations related to reconciliation, settlement, and payouts within the ONDC framework.

- Reporting & Performance Management: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for reconciliation, settlement, and payout processes. Develop and present regular reports on performance, trends, and improvement initiatives to stakeholders.

- Documentation & Governance: Ensure comprehensive and up-to-date documentation of all reconciliation, settlement, and payout processes, including process flows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and governance frameworks specific to ONDC.

- Project Leadership & Support: Lead and contribute to projects related to new ONDC integrations, platform upgrades, and process improvements impacting reconciliation, settlement, and payout functionalities.

Qualifications:

- Deep and demonstrable understanding of payment processing ecosystems, including payment gateways, acquirers, processors, nodal banking, and various payment methods.

- Experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing reconciliation and settlement processes, preferably within a complex, multi-party environment.

- Strong technical aptitude and proven ability to work with data and reconciliation and payment platforms. Proficiency in data manipulation tools (e.g., Excel, SQL) and experience with

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to lead investigations and resolve complex financial issues.

- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively lead discussions and influence stakeholders at various levels.

- Strong understanding of risk management and internal controls related to financial operations.

- Strong familiarity with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and RSF framework, its participants, transaction flows, and settlement mechanisms.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Prior experience in managing reconciliation, settlement, and payout functions within the e-commerce domain, particularly with marketplace or platform business models.

- Direct experience in establishing and managing payout processes to a large network of sellers or participants.

- Familiarity with data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Data Studio, etc).

- Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements related to payments and settlements.