Operational Assistant (PCS)

The Legends Agency; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Cape Town is seeking an Operational Assistant to manage private client share portfolios. The role involves ensuring accurate data management, assisting in portfolio transactions, and collaborating with internal teams to meet client needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial markets, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in an operational role within financial services.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a demanding team environment.
• Strong team player and capable of working independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain private share portfolios for clients.
• Ensure timely investment/disinvestment activities.
• Respond to queries efficiently from Advisors and Advisory Assistants.

Skills

Financial Markets

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Time Management

Organisational Skills

Education

National Senior Certificate

Undergraduate degree (e.g. BCom)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Portfolio Management Systems

Job description

Position Title: Operational Assistant Private Client Securities
Location: Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa
Work Type: Full-time, In-Office

Reporting to:
PCS Operations Manager

Purpose of the Role:
My Client facilitates individual client investments in direct share portfolios on the JSE and global stock exchanges. Services include a wide range of model-tracking and bespoke managed share portfolios, as well as the implementation of execution-only portfolios (non-managed).

In collaboration with third-party service providers, broader business units, and the Trading Desk, the Operations Division is responsible for the efficient implementation of these share portfolios. Operational Assistants are responsible for a variety of processes and ad hoc tasks related to the implementation and maintenance of private share portfolios.

Qualifications, Skills and Characteristics Required:

• National Senior Certificate with relevant subjects and above average results

• Undergraduate degree (e.g. BCom or relevant qualification)

• Minimum of three years' experience in an operational role within the financial services industry

• Strong knowledge of financial markets

• Process-driven with a high level of attention to detail

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to recommend improvements

• Excellent time management and commitment to meeting SLAs

• Effective planning and organisational skills

• Fast learner with strong initiative

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to perform under pressure in a demanding team environment

• Strong team player, but also capable of working independently

Competency Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

• Working knowledge of portfolio management systems, trading systems, and workflow systems is beneficial

• Responsible, detail-oriented, and proactive in fulfilling duties

Strategic Business Deliverables:

• Open new investment accounts at various third-party providers

• Verify accurate recording of client details

• Ensure timely and correct investment/disinvestment from share portfolios

• Confirm trade execution by the Trading Desk as per instructions

• Record valid base costs on share transfers in and ensure rollover where required

• Manage client information on the portfolio management system

• Capture and maintain accurate client data

• Link each portfolio/account to a Tyrus client profile

• Set up dividend payout or reinvestment preferences

• Configure communication preferences for broker notes and statements

• Record any trading restrictions (e.g. for directors, employees) at the portfolio level

• Perform periodic data quality clean-ups

• Generate and link client usernames and passwords

• Monitor and manage workflow system to ensure timely execution of instructions

• Respond to queries from Advisors and Advisory Assistants

• Account for client loans against share portfolios

• Liaise with third-party service providers and internal teams such as the Trading Desk and operations staff

• Carry out various ad hoc projects and tasks related to private client security portfolios