Our client launched c6 years ago is already one of the UK's largest asset managers with over £108.7 billion* in assets under management (as at 31 March 2008).  Managing money for private investors, pension funds, insurance groups and other institutions, as well as providing the investment expertise for some of the UK's best-known financial brands they are innovative and progressive with a dedication to inspired thinking - finding the best investment solutions to help investors meet their financial objectives and manage the full range of asset classes; shares, bonds, absolute return funds, private equity and multi-manager funds.

They are currently seeking a Front Office Support Analyst within Front Office Support, Investment Operations reporting into the Manager of the Front Office Support team

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

Providing support for all areas of the Front Office: Equities, Fixed Interest, Stock Lending, Derivatives and Multi Manager teams; duties will include the processing of Fund Manager and cash management trade recommendations where required, dealing with queries (trade and general) promptly and efficiently, following established procedures and processes in order to maintain efficiency and minimise risk.  This position requires working closely with other departments within Investment Operations at their Service Provider (Trade Processing, Client Administration and Reporting, Data Management and Pricing, etc) as well as with Fund Managers, Dealers, Compliance, Brokers and Custodians.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Ensure that all cash management recommendations are accurate and within deadlines.
• Ensure that all reports are produced accurately and within specified timeframes.
• Ensure that all queries are resolved within specified timeframes.
• Trade support, exception-based monitoring, daily monitoring and some element of reconciliation.
• Collateral management - liaising with Fund Managers and third party providers.
• To complete projects in a timely manner and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Avoidance of any errors which could cause losses either monetary or reputation, including ongoing reviews of procedures and risks.
• Follow documented procedures to ensure team compliance with industry regulation and best practice.
• Responsible for accurately maintaining a range of standing and static data.

The role may include:

• Supporting the Data Maintenance function within the FOS team.
• Supporting the Stock Lending Interest billing process.
• Supporting the Commission Sharing Agreement management process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Relevant experience in Investment Operations, particularly within a Front Office/Middle Office environment.
• Good level of understanding of different instrument types including Equities, Unit Trusts, Fixed Interest, FX, CDs and ETD and OTC Derivatives, Collateral Management and market practises.
• Good understanding of the collateral management process and the key life cycle event involving OTC products would be an advantage.
• Good understanding of exchange trade derivatives process, including margin management would be an advantage.
• Experience working with third party providers would be an advantage.
• Good computer literacy in basic applications (Word, Excel, Outlook etc).
• Educated to degree level.
• Good inter-personal skills (Diplomatic in order to get the best solution from third party providers).
• Client Relationships/Client Focus - Demonstrates ability to build long term relationships that add-value to the "client" (Clients can be internal and/or external).
• Results Orientation - Demonstrates ability to maintain focus, overcome setbacks and obstacles to achieve own and team targets. Can work through a problem logically and in a step-by-step way.
• Teamwork - Demonstrates ability to work as part of a team, progressing towards shared goals.
• Flexible - Demonstrates ability to adapt to changing working environments, particularly systems and processes, and has a ‘can do' attitude.
• Communication - Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically (all levels and areas).
• Commitment to Excellence - Demonstrates commitment to high quality standards.