Investment Operations Analyst

Sammons Financial Group - West Des Moines, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

West Des Moines, IA

Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities

About the position

The Investment Operations Analyst is responsible for overseeing cash application processes, applying complex trades, and supporting Operations leadership while leading audit requests. This role involves owning the monthly close process, which includes coordinating with internal teams, reviewing and reconciling transactions, and preparing an internal reporting package for the accounting and reporting teams. The analyst will also be responsible for the systematic setup of portfolios and cash positions, ensuring that all operations are conducted in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. In this position, the analyst will oversee the timely and accurate application of cash transactions, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. They will apply complex trades across various investment products, including equities, fixed income, bank loans, and derivatives, while adhering to regulatory requirements. The analyst will support the Manager of Investment Analysis in monitoring and maintaining the integrity of investment data and systems, and will lead audit requests related to investment operations, gathering and preparing documentation and responding to inquiries. Collaboration with internal stakeholders is key to resolving discrepancies and ensuring smooth processing of transactions. The analyst will develop and maintain process documentation for cash application, trade processing, and other key functions within the investment operations system. Participation in projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness, including system enhancements and process improvements, is also expected. The analyst will monitor and reconcile investment transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness of data, staying informed about industry trends and regulatory changes affecting investment operations. Additionally, the analyst will provide training and guidance to junior team members, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to perform their roles effectively. Regular updates to investment accounting senior management will be provided to keep them informed of any issues, shortcomings, or accomplishments of the team. The role requires analyzing data, identifying trends, and solving problems related to investment operations, as well as reviewing and reconciling investment transactions, cash balances, and investment positions prior to close to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the timely and accurate application of cash transactions, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Apply complex trades across various investment products, including equities, fixed income, bank loans, and derivatives, while adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Support the Manager, Investment Analysis in monitoring and maintaining the integrity of investment data and systems.
• Lead audit requests related to investment operations, including gathering and preparing documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve discrepancies and ensure smooth processing of transactions.
• Develop and maintain process documentation for cash application, trade processing, and other key functions within the investment operations system.
• Participate in projects to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, including system enhancements and process improvements.
• Monitor and reconcile investment transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness of data.
• Stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes affecting investment operations and implement necessary changes to policies and procedures.
• Provide training and guidance to junior team members, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to perform their roles effectively.
• Provide regular updates to investment accounting senior management keeping them well-informed of any issues, shortcomings, or accomplishments of the team.
• Analyze data, identify trends, and solve problems related to investment operations.
• Review and reconcile investment transactions, cash balances, and investment positions prior to close to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies or issues related to the monthly close process.
• Assist in the onboarding process for new investment managers including coordinating account setup and training on investment operations and processes.
• Own the systematic setup and maintenance of portfolios and cash positions, ensuring accurate and efficient processing of transactions and reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management Preferred
• Minimum 6 years' experience in Investment Operations Preferred
• Possess a strong understanding of investment products and investment operations
• Exhibit strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in processing complex transactions and reconciling data
• Proficient understanding of investment operations and investment products
• Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and solve problems
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and workloads
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other relevant software used in investment operations
• Understanding and ability to identify and mitigate risks
• Proficient working knowledge of regulatory requirements related to investment operations

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance