Senior Disputes Operations Associate

About Acorns

Acorns is focused on protecting the financial well-being of people and families, starting with easy micro-investing. The company is guided by a set of values that emphasize compassion, courage, trust, continuous improvement, and a practical, solutions-first mindset. Its broader goal is to expand access to financial wellness tools for every stage of family life.

Role Overview

Acorns is looking for a Senior Disputes Operations Associate to strengthen fraud prevention efforts and lead advanced dispute handling. This person will serve as a trusted expert in the area, using data, compliance knowledge, and operational judgment to reduce losses, resolve disputes efficiently, and protect the customer experience.

This is a remote-first position, with optional access to office space in Irvine, California.

What You Will Do

• Own the full resolution process for complicated transaction disputes, from case review through final outcome.
• Communicate with customers and merchants to issue accurate and timely case-related updates.
• Oversee chargeback submission, monitoring, and reconciliation while following Regulation E, NACHA requirements, and Visa operating rules.
• Review data to identify new merchant patterns and fraud signals, then summarize insights and suggestions for leadership.
• Work with leaders, internal teams, external partners, and peers to refine workflows, improve efficiency, and support automation across Dispute Operations.
• Act as a go-to resource for Banking Operations, offering guidance on complex situations, keeping up with rule changes, and maintaining detailed SOP documentation.
• Support leadership with formal complaint submissions and other assigned tasks.

What You Need

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in disputes, investigations, chargebacks, or banking operations, ideally in a fintech setting.
• Strong working knowledge of Regulation E and NACHA, plus substantial familiarity with Visa card rules and chargeback flows.
• Confidence using Excel or comparable tools to analyze data and support decisions.
• Experience partnering with Risk Analysts on controls such as BIN blocks and merchant review to reduce financial exposure.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to explain regulatory topics clearly and maintain detailed operational documentation.
• A process-improvement mindset with the ability to build scalable and efficient workflows.
• Strong motivation to deliver high-impact results and a detailed, precise approach that still prioritizes customer experience.

What Acorns Offers

• Competitive pay and stock options.
• Comprehensive benefits for employees and their families.
• Flexible location, flexible hours, and paid time off.
• 401(k) matching.
• Monthly Acorns account contribution plus a GoHenry account for family use.
• Mindfulness and financial wellness support through Headspace and Addition Wealth.
• Career development resources, including training sessions, growth plans, check-ins, and an online learning platform.
• Leadership development opportunities through the Roots Leadership Program for Emerging Leaders.
• Community week onsite gatherings and virtual events.
• A collaborative team committed to the mission, the customers, and each other.
• The chance to help build meaningful solutions that address major societal challenges.

About the Company

Founded in 2014, Acorns is a financial wellness app designed to help individuals and families save and invest for the long term. The company serves kids, teens, adults, and parents through multiple life-stage products and has helped more than 14 million people save and invest over $27 billion, largely through spare change and small contributions. It was named one of Time’s World’s Best Brands of 2024.

Compensation

The expected starting annual base pay for this role is $79,800 to $86,200. Final pay may differ based on factors such as location, relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Total compensation may also include equity grants and discretionary cash bonuses, along with a full benefits package that can include medical, financial, and other benefits, plus 401(k) eligibility and paid leave such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave.

Employment Terms

This is an at-will position, and the company may change base salary or other discretionary compensation programs at any time based on performance, department or company performance, or market conditions.

Work Authorization

Acorns uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for new hires.