Cognitud - Payments Consultant - Software & Platforms - IIM/ISB/MDI/FMS

Role Overview:

As a Payments Consultant, you will play a critical role in advising clients on optimizing their payment strategies and operations. You will leverage your deep understanding of the payments landscape to conduct in-depth analyses, develop customized solutions, and provide ongoing support. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, analytical prowess, and strong communication skills to effectively address client needs and drive impactful results.

Key Responsibilities:

- Conduct thorough analyses of client businesses, including their current payment processes, identifying pain points, and understanding strategic objectives.

- Assess the effectiveness of existing payment systems and propose areas for improvement.

- Develop and present customized payment solutions, including recommendations on payment gateways, processors, acquirers, Third Party Application Providers (TPAPs), and alternative payment methods (e.g., mobile wallets, buy now pay later).

- Create detailed proposals and presentations that clearly articulate the value proposition of recommended solutions.

- Advise clients on optimizing payment flows, reducing transaction costs, and improving the overall customer experience.

- Provide guidance on compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards.

- Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes related to payments.

- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.

- Provide ongoing support and guidance to clients throughout the implementation process and beyond.

- Contribute to the development of new payment offerings, capabilities, products, and services.

- Identify and evaluate potential partnerships and collaborations.

- Prepare detailed reports, and utilize data analysis and visualization tools to provide insight into payment performance.

Required Skills and Experience:

- 7+ years of total professional experience, with a minimum of 2 years of direct experience in the payments/fintech industry in a business or product role.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

- Proven ability to conduct in-depth business analysis and develop strategic recommendations.

- Experience with merchant acquiring (online or offline), payment acceptance, credit card issuance or acquiring, network experience (Visa/MasterCard, etc.), digital payments/mobile wallets, open banking/finance, and embedded finance.

- Experience with Data Analysis and Visualization Tools (preferred).

- Experience in customer acquisition, customer retention, digital marketing type roles in Fintech (preferred).

- Consulting experience is highly desirable.

Qualifications:

MBA from a Tier 1 B-School (preferred).