Graduate: Settlements Officer (12-Month Contract)

Prescient; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Prescient is seeking a Graduate: Settlements Officer for a 12-month contract in Cape Town. You will support trade matching and settlement across multiple asset classes, working with investment managers, brokers, custodians, and internal teams to ensure timely and accurate processing.

The role targets recent graduates with a finance/economics/commerce background, strong Excel skills, and a keen interest in investment operations.

Qualifications

• Finance/Investments/Accounting/Economics/Mathematics/Commerce degree or equivalent.
• Strong numerical and analytical capabilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with capture, processing, matching, and settlement of investment transactions.
• Support settlement of equities, fixed income, funds, derivatives, FX and other products.
• Prepare and process manual settlement instructions.
• Verify trade information with managers, brokers and custodians for accuracy.
• Submit settlement instructions to custodians by deadlines.
• Maintain broker, counterparty and settlement records.
• Assist with incident reports and operational documentation.
• Participate in process improvements and client onboarding activities.
• Adhere to internal controls and standard procedures.
• Perform ad hoc administrative duties as required.

Skills

Excel

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Education

Finance/Investments/Accounting/Economics/Mathematics/Commerce degree

Job description

Graduate: Settlements Officer (12-Month Contract)

This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate looking to start a career in the investment and financial services industry. As a Graduate: Settlements Officer, you will support the trade matching and settlement process across a variety of financial instruments and asset classes. You will work closely with investment managers, brokers, custodians, and internal teams to ensure transactions are processed accurately and efficiently.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting with the capture, processing, matching, and settlement of investment transactions on internal systems.
• Supporting the settlement of various financial instruments, including equities, fixed income, collective investment schemes (unit trusts), derivatives, foreign exchange transactions, and other investment products.
• Assisting with the preparation and processing of manual settlement instructions where required.
• Assisting with the preparation and processing of manual settlement instructions where required.
• Verifying trade information received from investment managers, brokers, and counterparties to ensure all details are accurate and complete.
• Supporting the submission of settlement instructions to custodians within required deadlines.
• Maintaining and updating broker, counterparty, and settlement information.
• Investigating and assisting with the resolution of trade-related queries from clients, brokers, custodians, and internal stakeholders.
• Supporting the preparation of incident reports and operational documentation.
• Assisting with projects, process improvements, and new client onboarding activities.
• Ensuring all activities are completed accurately and in accordance with internal controls and operational procedures.
• Performing ad hoc administrative and operational duties as required.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Advantageous

• Exposure to financial services, investment management, fund administration, or related environments through internships, vacation work, or part-time employment.
• Basic understanding of financial markets and investment products.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A completed tertiary qualification in Finance, Investments, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Commerce, or a related field.
• Recent graduate or up to 1 year's relevant work experience.
• Strong academic record and an interest in financial markets and investment operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Has strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Is eager to learn and develop within the investment operations environment.
• Takes ownership of tasks and demonstrates initiative.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Has strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Can prioritise tasks and work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Is adaptable and willing to assist with a variety of responsibilities.
• Has a positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn.

WHY THIS ROLE?

This 12-month contract offers an excellent opportunity to build practical experience within the investment operations environment. You will gain exposure to the end-to-end trade settlement process across multiple asset classes, work alongside experienced professionals, and develop highly sought-after skills within the financial services industry. This role provides a strong foundation for graduates looking to establish a long-term career in investment operations and fund services.