Operations Analyst – Asset Management

Aquarius Specialist Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks an Operations Analyst for a major asset management firm in Cape Town. The role involves improving operational efficiency, managing reconciliations, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have a B Com (Hons) and five years in the asset management industry, along with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, and programming experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in a related role within an Asset Management business.
• Experience with reconciliations and cash management.
• Relevant computer skills and system experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute and promote operational procedure improvements.
• Liaise with stakeholders and execute operational activities timely.
• Reconcile trade and fund dealing activity and manage cash.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

B Com (Hons) or appropriate finance qualification

Job description

Our client is a major league Asset Management business that has achieved enormous growth in recent years. To this extent they have built up a robust Operations team – they now have an opening for an Operations Analyst to come in an add value to the core functioning of the engine-room of the business.

The Operations team works closely with the Portfolio Managers, Distribution Team, Risk Team, the Trading Desk and external service providers on a day-to-day basis in order to achieve the highest level of impact to the business from utilising our combined knowledge base and skill as a team.

The role requires a deep understanding of financial markets and instruments, contribute and promote robust operating procedures to create an efficient, responsive and process driven Operations team. The Operations Analyst will report to the Head of Investment Operations who reports into the Chief Operating Officer.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Process:
o Contribute to and promote robust operating procedures across the investment management business to create an efficient, responsive and process driven Operations team.
o Improve business understanding of operations processes and procedures.
o Establish and promote enhanced business processes that ensure efficient and effective stakeholder delivery within set expectations and agreed performance standards in the area of accountability and the overall optimisation of the value chain for the business, including:
Performance of reconciliations.
Exception handling. Investigation of significant variances and effective resolution of reconciliation breaks and ad hoc challenges.
Monitoring of the operations mailbox and timeous execution of stakeholder requests.
Take responsibility for daily operational activities.
Liaise with stakeholders, run daily operational activities, receive and execute requests timeously.
Ensure timeous and correct recording of transactions.
Liaise with stakeholders to keep them fully appraised of the progress of queries.
o Reconciliation of trade and fund dealing activity, corporate action and Proxy voting management, cash management and spot FX instruction, reconciliation of cash, positions and performance.
People:
o Share and transfer product, process and systems knowledge to colleagues.
o Collaborate and work with internal teams to deliver required service levels.
o Ensure achievement of own performance objectives.
o Share information with other team members regarding successes, issues, trends and ideas.
o Participate in own professional development and career path.
Ideal qualifications:
B Com (Hons) preferred or appropriate finance qualification.
Ideal experience:
5 years of experience in related role within an Asset Management business
Experience with reconciliations and cash management.
Relevant computer skills and system experience.
Experience in a programming language would be advantageous, but not required.
Knowledge of working with custodians would be advantageous.
Relevant market knowledge.
Competencies & Skills:
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ability to problem solve.
Ability to work independently (self-starter) and collaboratively in the team in a fast-paced environment.
Proactive: Takes initiative to anticipate and address issues before they arise.
Detail-Oriented: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks.
Output-Focused: Demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of stakeholders (internal or external)
Collaborative: Works effectively and managing the relationship with both internal teams and external stakeholders and service providers, fostering strong relationships.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with teams and stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).

To apply for this role please send your CV and supporting documentation to [e-mail]