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

ACA Group; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ACA Group in Durham, NC is seeking an experienced Application Support Lead to oversee a team responsible for surveillance applications within financial transactions. The individual will mentor analysts, ensure data integrity, and enhance client satisfaction.

Key qualifications include strong MS SQL experience, proficiency in PySpark, and understanding of financial markets. The role emphasizes leadership and problem-solving skills, making it vital for maintaining high standards across ACA’s technology platforms.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with MS SQL including querying and troubleshooting.
• Experience using PySpark for scripting.
• Understanding of financial markets, including trade lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Surveillance Data Analysts.
• Oversee operational tasks and ensure timely issue resolution.
• Troubleshoot complex data issues within MS SQL environments.

Skills

MS SQL

PySpark (Python)

Data analysis

Leadership

Problem-solving

Client management

Tools

AWS

New Relic

Postman

Linux/Bash

Lambda

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with MS SQL (querying, troubleshooting, performance tuning).
• Experience using PySpark (Python) scripting.
• S 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.