Operations Specialist | Cape Town

Our client is seeking an agile and driven individual to support the Head of Operations and Dealing desks. The primary focus of this role is on local and international settlements, as well as private client administration and post-trade activities. You will have the opportunity to cross-train and provide backup support to the trade support team when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage settlement obligations for equity, derivative, and bond trades in accordance with exchange rules
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of journals, payments, receipts, and trade settlements
• Reconcile Net Settlements with bank statements and BDA systems
• Resolve trade-related queries from brokers, clients, and custodians, ensuring smooth client and counterparty relations
• Assist the trade support team with post-trade settlements for international equities
• Update settlement metrics and ensure timely matching of trades between clients and counterparties
• Handle trading desk allocations and OMGEO uploads
• Coordinate private client trading instructions and reporting
• Compile incident reports and conduct root cause analysis to prevent future issues
• Monitor and ensure compliance with JSE rules and directives, including testing and participating in projects
• Assist with month-end brokerage reports and support ad hoc tasks as needed

Qualifications and Experience:

• BCom, B.Compt, or equivalent essential
• 3-5 years’ experience in financial services, particularly in investment, stockbroking, or financial markets operations
• Solid understanding of financial instruments
• Knowledge and experience with both local and international settlements
• Proficiency in various IT systems, including advanced Excel, Accounting & Exchange Systems, Mecras, and BDA
• Preference for candidates who have completed, or are willing to complete, JSE and RPE exams, such as:
• Introduction to Financial Markets (RPE)
• Regulations and Ethics of the South African Financial Markets (RPE)
• Bond Settlement Officer Exams (JSE)
• Equities Settlement Officer Exams (JSE)

Key Competencies:

• Self-starter with the ability to take ownership and solve problems
• Highly organised and meticulous, with strong attention to detail under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs
• Strong team player, able to work independently when needed
• Growth mindset and willingness to work extended hours when required
• Registered Persons or Financial Market qualifications (or willingness to obtain them)

This role offers an exciting opportunity to grow in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, contributing to both local and international trading operations.