Investment Operations Specialist

at  Sanlam

Who are we?
Sanlam Investments Group is one of South Africa’s largest investment management companies. We have a performance history spanning over 100 years, and offer a range of investment and financial planning solutions to protect and grow the long-term wealth of our clients.

We take particular pride in:

• Sanlam’s longevity and innovation.
• People, teamwork and values.
• A culture of diversity and commitment to growing our own timber.
• Our robust, tested and proven pragmatic investment process and philosophy.

Our local and offshore investment products cover the full investment spectrum: active and passive; single and multi-manager – both locally and internationally. Our active funds range are managed according to our pragmatic value investing style.

Qualification and Experience

• B financial degree or relevant tertiary financial qualification (NQF6).
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role within the Financial Services industry.
• Investments administration or middle office experience would be an advantage.
• Relevant computer skills and system experience – Hiport & Charles River Investment Management System knowledge would be an advantage

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Service delivery - Maintains a high standard of service with both internal and external clients.
• Communication - Maintains a high quality of written and verbal communication across all platforms.
• Teamwork and collaboration - Supports colleagues as well as business in collaboration efforts to achieve results.
• Ownership and initiative - Takes ownership in area of responsibility.
• Adaptability and flexibility – Willing to accept changing priorities and work patterns when required.
• Dependability and a strong work ethic.
• Enthusiasm – Displays drive and energy.
• High attention to detail is critical.
• Self-starter.
• Professional.
• Ability to view transactions and processes from a high level to identify gaps/risks
• Efficient process driven.
• Problem solving and innovation.
• Relationship management and networking with stakeholders and service providers

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The candidate will be responsible for day to day support and execution of internal and external investment manager activities. The primary function will consist of investment operations duties such as portfolio administration, compliance and management reporting.
The candidate, whilst needing to be able to cope with shifting priorities, will need to ensure adherence with processes and rules. The position requires someone who is organised and self-disciplined, has an inclination towards numerical problem solving and has an eye for detail.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Trade Support: Assisting with trade execution, ensuring that trades are accurately booked, and resolving any discrepancies that arise.
• Cash Management: Monitoring and managing cash flows, including foreign exchange transactions and liquidity management.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all activities comply with relevant regulations and reporting requirements in different jurisdictions.
• Transaction Processing and Settlement: Ensuring accurate and timely processing and settlement of trades in foreign and local markets.
• Valuation and Pricing: Ensuring accurate valuation and pricing of foreign assets, including handling complex instruments and illiquid assets.
• Client Reporting and Communication: Preparing detailed reports for clients, including performance reports, risk reports, and other relevant information. Communicating with clients to address any queries or concerns.
• Coordination with Front and Back Office: Acting as a liaison between the front office (portfolio managers, traders) and back office (operations, accounting) to ensure seamless operations and accurate data flow.
• Risk Management: Monitoring risks associated with local & foreign investments, including operational risk.
• Process Improvement and Automation: Identifying opportunities to improve processes and implement automation to increase efficiency and reduce operational risk.
• Collaboration: Working closely with portfolio managers, traders, compliance teams, and external service providers to ensure smooth operations and resolve any issues that arise.
• Back-up to other members of the team.
  Performs all the necessary administrative tasks required as indicated above, but not limited to.

Qualification and Experience

• B financial degree or relevant tertiary financial qualification (NQF6).
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role within the Financial Services industry.
• Investments administration or middle office experience would be an advantage.
• Relevant computer skills and system experience – Hiport & Charles River Investment Management System knowledge would be an advantage.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Service delivery - Maintains a high standard of service with both internal and external clients.
• Communication - Maintains a high quality of written and verbal communication across all platforms.
• Teamwork and collaboration - Supports colleagues as well as business in collaboration efforts to achieve results.
• Ownership and initiative - Takes ownership in area of responsibility.
• Adaptability and flexibility – Willing to accept changing priorities and work patterns when required.
• Dependability and a strong work ethic.
• Enthusiasm – Displays drive and energy.
• High attention to detail is critical.
• Self-starter.
• Professional.
• Ability to view transactions and processes from a high level to identify gaps/risks
• Efficient process driven.
• Problem solving and innovation.
• Relationship management and networking with stakeholders and service providers.