Market Surveillance Technical Lead (SQL, Python, Financial Markets)

ACA Group; Illinois; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ACA Group is seeking an Application Support Lead for their Surveillance Applications in Illinois. This pivotal role combines technical expertise with leadership, overseeing a team that ensures high-quality surveillance support and data integrity.

The ideal candidate will possess strong MS SQL and Python skills, with experience in financial markets. Responsibilities include mentoring analysts, troubleshooting data issues, and implementing enhancements. Strong client-facing skills are essential, along with a proactive approach to learning and career development.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with MS SQL for querying and troubleshooting.
• Experience using PySpark (Python) scripting.
• Proven ability to analyze and resolve complex data-related issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Surveillance Data Analysts.
• Oversee execution of daily operational tasks.
• Act as a subject-matter expert in surveillance data.

Skills

MS SQL

Python

Data analysis

Technical support

Tools

PySpark

AWS

New Relic

Postman

Linux/Bash

Job description

The Opportunity

ACA is seeking an Application Support Lead for our Surveillance Applications to lead a team of analysts responsible for monitoring, supporting, and enhancing surveillance data and systems related to financial transactions and securities activity. This role blends strong technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring the consistent delivery of high‑quality surveillance support, maintaining data integrity, and driving client satisfaction across ACA Technology platforms.

What you’ll do

• Lead and mentor a team of Surveillance Data Analysts, providing day‑to‑day guidance, coaching, and performance management
• Oversee execution of daily operational tasks across the surveillance support function, ensuring timely issue resolution and system stability
• Act as a subject‑matter expert in surveillance data, including trade activity, securities, and holdings
• Troubleshoot complex data and system issues within MS SQL environments, identifying root causes and implementing scalable solutions
• Ensure integrity, accuracy, and completeness of surveillance data across platforms
• Partner with internal stakeholders and clients to resolve issues, communicate updates, and implement enhancements
• Manage system configurations and support ongoing platform improvements, particularly within the surveillance modules
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and efficiency gains; coordinate incident management and escalation processes, ensuring high‑quality service delivery
• Support onboarding and training of new team members

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Strong experience with MS SQL (querying, troubleshooting, performance tuning)
• Experience using PySpark (Python) scripting; solid understanding of financial markets, including securities, trade lifecycles, and holdings data
• Proven ability to analyze and resolve complex data‑related issues in a technical environment; demonstrated leadership or team coordination experience
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills; prior experience in a market surveillance, compliance, or fintech environment

Skills and attributes for success

• Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for data analysis
• Familiarity with market abuse surveillance concepts (e.g., insider trading, spoofing, wash trades)
• Background in client‑facing roles or managing client relationships within a support model
• Highly motivated and results‑driven, with a proactive approach to learning and career growth; able to contribute to both internal initiatives and client‑facing projects
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, demonstrating leadership qualities when necessary
• Continuously learning mindset, with a desire to stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends; dedicated to upholding ACA’s high‑quality standards and customer service focus

Nice to have experience with

AWS, New Relic, Postman, Linux/Bash, and Lambda