Associate Director, Asset Backed-Finance Operations

Barings LLC; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Barings in Sydney seeks an Associate Director, Asset Based Finance Operations to join the Global Portfolio Services team. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality investment operations for Barings ABF Australia, including portfolio and stakeholder reporting, fund administration, and trade settlement.

The role offers broad exposure to listed and unlisted funds and frequent interactions with internal teams, counterparties, custodians and external service providers.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years’ experience in fund administration, finance, accounting, settlements and investment operations.
• Sound understanding of core finance concepts, with fixed income/funds experience preferred.
• Clear, professional communication with internal/external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support fund operations for ABF investment funds, including NAV review and distributions.
• Prepare and coordinate monthly client and stakeholder reporting.
• Coordinate trade settlement with market counterparties and custodians.
• Reconcile daily portfolio and cash positions and investigate variances.
• Maintain operational records and document fund administration processes.
• Provide operational support to the ABF investment team.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

At Barings, we are as invested in our associates as we are in our clients. We recognize those who work diligently for us and reward them for personal and professional integrity, communication skills, distinct competencies and expertise in specific strategies, ability to collaborate as a team member and true dedication to the interests of our clients. We thank you for your interest in joining the Barings team, and invite you to explore our current employment opportunities.

Title: Associate Director, Asset Based Finance Operations
Business Unit: Global Portfolio Services
Location: Sydney, Australia
Barings is a leading global financial services firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients and customers. Through active asset management and direct origination, we provide innovative solutions and access to differentiated opportunities across public and private capital markets. A subsidiary of MassMutual, Barings maintains a strong global presence with business and investment professionals located across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Associate Director, Asset Based Finance Operations to join our Sydney office. The successful candidate will support the Global Portfolio Services team by delivering high-quality investment operations for Barings ABF Australia, including portfolio and stakeholder reporting, fund administration, and trade settlement. The platform invests in Australian residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and asset-backed securities (ABS) and forms part of Barings’ broader Global Asset-Backed Finance capability. This role offers broad exposure to listed and unlisted fund structures and regular interaction with internal teams, counterparties, custodians and external service providers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support fund operations for Barings ABF investment funds, including the ASX-listed investment trust and unlisted investment trusts, fund net asset value review, unitholder distribution support, service-provider liaison, and payment processing.
• Prepare, verify, and coordinate monthly client and stakeholder reporting for distribution to internal and external audiences.
• Provide support across the trade lifecycle, coordinating with market counterparties, custodians and internal stakeholders to ensure the timely, accurate and efficient settlement of trades.
• Reconcile daily portfolio and cash positions, investigating variances and escalating issues where required.
• Maintain accurate operational records and support process documentation across fund administration, reporting, and settlement activities.
• Provide operational support for the ABF investment team.

Qualifications

4–5 years’ experience in fund administration, finance, accounting, settlements and investment operations, or a related analytical role. Sound understanding of core finance and investment concepts, with experience in fixed income or funds management viewed favourably. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with the ability to work confidently with data, reconciliations, and reporting outputs. Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet recurring operational deadlines. Self-motivated and accountable, with a demonstrated ability to work independently, follow through on tasks, and escalating issues appropriately. Clear and professional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders, external service providers, custodians, and counterparties. Collaborative and positive team approach, with a willingness to contribute to process improvement and support a high-standard operating environment.

Requisite Skills Additional Skills

Barings is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; Minority/Female/Age/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply. Barings is a leading global asset management firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients. We build lasting partnerships that leverage our distinctive expertise across traditional and alternative asset classes to deliver innovative, institutional-quality solutions and service. Our team-driven culture is based on transparency, responsibility and putting our clients’ interests first. We listen to our clients to understand their needs, so that we can be a strategic advisor and long-term partner in meeting their unique investment goals. Risk management and protecting our investors’ capital over the long term is an essential component of our lasting partnerships. Barings is also committed to building long-term relationships with our associates and providing opportunities and support to help them succeed. With our expanding business and global footprint, Barings offers a wealth of opportunities for associates who share our culture, values and commitment to excellence in client service. As an organization, we believe that a diversity of perspectives and strengths is essential to meeting the evolving needs of our clients, and we are committed to attracting and retaining a talented workforce as diverse as the clients and communities that contribute to our success.