Payments is one of the most in-demand specializations in financial services, and it’s only growing. But breaking in can feel opaque if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s what hiring managers in payments actually want to see.
First, understand the landscape. Payments spans card networks (Visa, Mastercard), processors (FIS, Fiserv, Global Payments), banks (both issuing and acquiring sides), fintechs (Stripe, Square, Adyen), and a growing ecosystem of infrastructure players. Each has different roles and skill requirements.
The roles that are hardest to fill right now: payments product managers, fraud/risk analysts, and compliance specialists with payments-specific knowledge. Engineering roles that touch payment processing, settlement, and reconciliation are also in high demand.
What sets candidates apart: understanding of the payments value chain (authorization, clearing, settlement), familiarity with regulations (PCI DSS, Reg E, BSA/AML), and the ability to speak both business and technical languages. If you’re a student, start learning these concepts now.
Certifications like the ETA CPP (Certified Payments Professional) can help, but they’re not required for entry-level roles. What matters more is demonstrated interest: read industry publications, attend events, and build a network of practitioners who can mentor you.
That’s exactly what NPI’s Student & Early-Career branch is designed to provide. You’ll get access to practitioners, content, and events that help you build the knowledge and connections you need to land your first payments role.