Junior Associate

Pontoon; Chester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Pontoon is recruiting a Junior Associate in Chester to join the ETD Operations team. The role focuses on post-trade activities, reconciliations, and control frameworks within a global markets context. Training starts office-based, then hybrid work arrangements are expected.

You will gain exposure to regulatory obligations, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic banking environment."

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform and review reconciliations between Bank systems and CCPs to ensure accuracy and timely reporting.
• Collaborate with Front Office, Middle Office, Technology, Finance, Risk and Compliance to resolve issues and manage incidents.
• Identify process improvements, support regulatory reporting, and contribute to control reviews and automation initiatives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Junior Associate

Duration: 12 months, temp to perm

Location: Chester (fully office based for initial training then hybrid)

Salary: 34000 per annum

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.

Our client, a prominent player in the banking industry, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Associate to join their dynamic ETD Operations team in Chester, UK. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to launch or further their careers within Global Markets Operations, particularly in the realm of post-trade activities supporting listed derivatives and cleared OTC products.

Role Overview

As a Junior Associate, the successful candidate will gain invaluable exposure to a broad range of activities, including operational risk management, regulatory obligations, and control frameworks. This role promises a comprehensive understanding of the full trade lifecycle, providing significant opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant global environment.

Key Responsibilities

Reconciliations, Controls & Oversight

• Perform and review reconciliations between Bank systems and CCPs.
• Investigate position, cash, and trade discrepancies.
• Ensure the accuracy of non-financial regulatory reports.
• Maintain a strong focus on operational risk management and control effectiveness.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner effectively with Front Office, Middle Office, Technology, Finance, Risk, and Compliance teams.
• Engage with exchanges, CCPs, and vendors as necessary.
• Communicate clearly and professionally when managing operational issues and escalations.

Change & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in technology deployments, testing activities, and business change initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to enhance processes, strengthen controls, and boost automation.
• Support the implementation of new regulatory, industry, and exchange requirements.

What Our Client Is Looking For

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Microsoft Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and a solid control mindset.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across teams and regions.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A curiosity and eagerness to learn.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Strong organisational skills and professionalism.
• Adaptability in a changing regulatory and technological landscape.
• The confidence to challenge risks or control concerns.
• A continuous improvement mindset.

Career Development

This role offers broad exposure across EMEA Futures, Options, and Cleared OTC Operations, paving the way for expertise in:

• Clearing Operations
• Reconciliations
• Deliveries
• Regulatory Reporting & Controls
• Client Service

Pontoon is an equal opportunities employer and an employment consultancy.