Contractor, Cash Operations Lead Analyst 1

Overview of Role/Principle Responsibilities

Cash operations subject matter expert within the Cash Operations team with responsibility for a range of cash processing tasks supporting timely updates of cash flows, fees/expenses, trade related FXs and externally managed cash and security movements such as STIF movements, as well as instructing cash movements at custody. Additionally, investigating and resolving cash breaks, responding to cash related queries from stakeholders, and initiating projects and change requests.

As a Lead Analyst 1 the role holder will be able to handle the most complex issues throughout their lifecycle working with internal and external stakeholders.

The role holder will thrive in a fast-paced environment with an emphasis on meeting tight deadlines. A strong interest in learning and harnessing technology will help you with your role in the organisation.

To act as a mentor and escalation point for the team’s Analysts to support them daily.

Key Responsibilities

• Validate and process Custodian dealt FX into internal records ensuring allocation to the correct portfolio
• Investigate custodian FX and cash breaks and monitor through timely resolution with reconciliation function and stakeholders and custodians
• Process cash flows, fees/expenses, income, reserve cash into internal systems and handling any related queries
• Process STIF transactions into internal system
• Process and instruct ad hoc FX and clean cash payments to custodians as required and monitoring and reporting on status
• Monitor outstanding synthetic FX transactions and liaise with custodians to ensure timely execution and maintain accurate cash positions
• Process all client instructions and orders in an accurate and timely manner in line with the instructions or mandate whether directly by the client or through their consultant or administrator.
• Confirm the authenticity and completeness of cash and trade instructions received from clients. This can involve verifying client signatures, checking for compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements, and ensuring instruction details are coherent.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for client instructions and notifications for the Global Client Service team.
• Identify, manage and document the handling of all non-standard processes
• Provide processing and query support for cash related activity as required
• Conduct root cause analysis on issues that arise
• Provide administrative support in the task of fund / portfolio management
• Meet all deadlines and ensure procedures and controls are fully implemented
• Check and approve entries and instructions processed by other team members
• Be the first point of escalation for Analysts on BAU matters
• Escalate potential problems before they become a risk
• Assist Manager to review and update procedures, implement improvements and enforce stringent controls
• Review daily, weekly and monthly MI reports, ensuring timely distribution to stakeholders
• Spearhead and/or contribute independently to department and Company initiatives and projects
• Assist training of staff as required on new and existing processes to ensure all tasks can be covered across the team
• Meet the needs of our business partners and internal clients. 

Skills and Behaviours Required

• Is experienced, independently carries out processes, has responsibility for specific processes and outcomes as well as challenges current processes to ensure continuous development and improvements
• Prior experience gained in an operational team supporting cash and FX payments
• Prior experience required in one of the following areas:
  • Client Order Management and/or Client Transaction Processing 
  • Complete understanding of the lifecycle of a Client Instruction and Settlement process for both segregated and pooled funds trading 
• Prior experience working with client directed instructions, specifically Liability Driven Investment mandates, execution only mandates or Local Authority mandates would be beneficial.
• Asset Management qualifications i.e. IOC or IMC
• Wider experience in Asset Management and understanding of the end to end asset lifecycle.
• An expert in your field and a strong mentor to the team’s Analysts
• Strong understanding of operational risks and control frameworks
• Pay due regard to the interests of our clients and treat them fairly and familiar with FCA compliance requirements, and the principles behind ‘Treating Customers Fairly'
• High attention to detail, especially during periods of high volumes due within tight deadlines
• Is able to manage competing demands and workloads.
• Will work hard, show commitment and “go the extra mile”.
• Good at analysing and solving problems with a strong handle on operational risk
• Effective in managing your own time with ability to prioritise tasks and delegate appropriately
• Open to feedback, receptive to change, challenges status quo and continually looks out for team and self-improvement opportunities on self and on the team
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• A strong team player able to develop and manage strong working relationships with global internal departments and external counterparties
• Able to adapt to changes quickly and be an advocator of an innovative culture within the team. 

We recognise potential, whoever you are

Our purpose is to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. Diversity of thought facilitated by an inclusive culture will allow us to make better decisions and better achieve our purpose. This is why inclusion and diversity are a strategic priority for us and why we are an equal opportunities employer: you are welcome here regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or any other protected characteristics.