Operations & Tech Graduate Analyst (Prescient Securities)

Prescient; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Prescient Securities is seeking an Operations & Tech Graduate Analyst in Cape Town to combine settlements workflow with data analytics, automation, and AI-driven tooling. You will engage in the full trade lifecycle and help identify smarter ways of working through insights and digital initiatives.

You will gain exposure to equities, bonds, and derivatives, while building dashboards in Power BI and Excel, supporting continuous improvement, and collaborating with technology and operations teams on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Data Analytics, or related field.
• 0–2 years’ experience in financial services or investment operations.
• Advanced Excel skills and data manipulation.
• Interest in financial markets and investments.
• Familiarity with Power BI, SQL, Python, and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with settlement of Equities, Bonds and Derivatives per JSE rules.
• Monitor settlement activity and resolve exceptions and failed trades.
• Perform daily cash and securities reconciliations.
• Develop dashboards and reports using Power BI and Excel.
• Collaborate with technology and operations teams on new functionality.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Data-driven

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Data Analytics, or related

Tools

Power BI

Power Query

SQL

Python

Power Automate

VBA

Copilot

ChatGPT

Job description

Operations & Tech Graduate Analyst (Prescient Securities)

The role combines traditional settlements responsibilities with a strong focus on technology, data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence. You will gain exposure to the full trade lifecycle while helping the business identify smarter ways of working through data-driven insights, process improvement, and digital innovation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Settlement Operations & Trade Support

• Assist with the settlement of Equities, Bonds and Derivatives transactions in accordance with JSE Rules, Directives, and internal procedures.
• Monitor settlement activity and assist in investigating and resolving settlement exceptions, breaks, and failed trades.
• Perform daily cash and securities reconciliations and escalate discrepancies promptly.
• Liaise with custodians, banks, counterparties, and internal stakeholders to support seamless transaction processing.
• Maintain accurate settlement records and supporting documentation.
• Develop an understanding of the end-to-end trade lifecycle, including trade execution, allocation, confirmation, settlement, and reconciliation.
• Use data analytics to identify trends, exceptions, and opportunities for operational improvements.
• Assist in building dashboards, reports, and management information using Power BI, Excel, Power Query, or similar tools.
• Use emerging technologies responsibly to improve productivity and reduce manual processing across Operations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and digital transformation projects.
• Assist with monitoring operational and trading systems.
• Support troubleshooting of system-related issues and elevate problems where required.
• Conduct daily system checks and assist in ensuring operational readiness.
• Maintain process documentation, user guides, and knowledge-sharing materials.
• Collaborate with technology and operations teams to test new functionality and enhancements.
• Complete all required compliance, AML/CFT, and regulatory training.
• Support the maintenance of strong operational controls and risk management practices.
• Assist with audit requests by gathering and preparing supporting documentation.
• Ensure records are accurate, complete, and maintained according to regulatory requirements.
• Support client onboarding and operational due diligence activities where required.

Projects & Change Initiatives

• Participate in business improvement projects, system implementations, and process enhancements.
• Support user acceptance testing (UAT), data validation, and operational readiness activities.
• Contribute ideas to improve operational processes, reporting, and client experience.
• Assist in documenting workflows and recommending more efficient ways of working

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Internship, vacation work, or project exposure within financial services, asset management, stockbroking, fintech, or investment operations.
• Exposure to financial markets, investment products, or settlements through studies, projects, or work experience.
• Familiarity with Power BI, Power Query, SQL, Python, Power Automate, VBA, Copilot, ChatGPT, or other AI tools.
• Progress toward JSE, RPE, CFA, or similar industry qualifications including the following exams:
  • Introduction to Financial Markets RPE – SAIFM
  • JSE Equity Compliance Officer Exam
  • JSE Equity Settlement Officer Exam

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A completed bachelor’s degree, Diploma in Finance, Investment Management, Financial Markets, Accounting, Economics, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 0-2 years' experience within financial services, investment operations, data analytics, fintech, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated interest in financial markets and the investment industry, supported by a strong academic track record.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyse and manipulate data effectively.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Quick to learn and adapt to new systems, technologies, and ways of working.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across stakeholder groups.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and resilient, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, curious, and solutions-oriented, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• High levels of accuracy, accountability, and attention to controls, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple systems, datasets, and business areas within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong digital, technology, and AI fluency, with a passion for innovation, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach and keen attention to detail.
• Ability to analyse complex information, identify trends and exceptions, and drive process improvements.

WHY THIS ROLE?

This is an exceptional opportunity to kick-start your career in one of South Africa's leading stockbroking and investment businesses. You will gain hands-on exposure to financial markets, settlements, data analytics, and emerging technologies while working alongside experienced industry professionals. Beyond learning the fundamentals of the trade lifecycle, you will have the opportunity to contribute to automation, AI-driven innovation, and digital transformation initiatives that directly impact how the business operates. If you are a tech-savvy graduate who enjoys solving problems, working with data, exploring AI, and building smarter ways of working, this role offers an outstanding platform for career growth and development.