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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure accuracy in client money reconciliations and improve operational processes with AI.
- Company: Join Downing, a certified B Corp committed to impactful investments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in finance while enhancing your skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: CASS qualification and 4 years of operational experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and innovation in a collaborative setting.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Downing is dedicated to delivering investments that matter - for our economy, our health, our society, our local communities and our environment. As a certified B Corp, we take our responsibilities, to our investors, our stakeholders and society, seriously. We invest for return while always considering our impact on the world.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled CASS Operations Specialist to join our team on a permanent basis. This role is critical in ensuring the accuracy, integrity of our internal records and adherence to FCA CASS rules. The successful candidate will bring deep technical expertise, strong analytical capability, and a proactive mindset toward improving processes—including the exploration and adoption of AI enabled efficiencies.
Role and Responsibilities
- CASS Operations & Reconciliations
- Meet daily internal client money reconciliation obligations and external client money reconciliation; operate custody internal record checks and external custody reconciliations routinely.
- Manage and validate external custodian bank reconciliation processes ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely identification and resolution.
- Strengthen, document, and maintain robust CASS controls and procedures.
- Support internal and external audits, FCA oversight reviews, and relationship management with our external custodian.
- Ensure full compliance with CASS regulations and internal risk frameworks.
- Review breaches, investigating root cause and implementation of preventive controls, as applicable.
- Monitor operational effectiveness of departmental systems and controls.
- Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across CASS and operational workflows.
- Drive AI enabled process optimisation, reducing manual effort and improving operational efficiency.
- Build and maintain streamlined processes that enhance speed, accuracy, and control.
- Oversee a team of three, providing guidance, oversight, and support to ensure high quality delivery of operational responsibilities. One direct report.
- Oversee the end to end operational function of allotments and share reconciliation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong control standards.
- Maintain a proactive approach to developing new skills, including a willingness to learn and apply enhanced data validation techniques.
- Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operational execution and timely issue resolution.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- CASS exams / accredited CASS qualification, such as: CISI Investment Operations Certificate (IOC), Unit 2: Settlement, Clearing & Custody or Unit 3: Investment Operations.
- At least 4 years of CASS operational experience.
- Proven experience managing external custodian bank reconciliations.
- Strong understanding of client money rules, custody asset processes, and FCA reporting.
- A demonstrated passion for process improvement, including investigating and implementing AI based automation opportunities.
Operational Specialist in London employer: Downing
Contact Detail:
Downing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their commitment to social responsibility and how your skills can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show you're a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your CASS expertise and your proactive approach to process improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operational Specialist. Highlight your CASS experience and any relevant qualifications, like the CISI Investment Operations Certificate. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Downing!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about CASS operations and how you can contribute to our goals. Don’t forget to mention your proactive mindset and any process improvement initiatives you've led.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. Whether it's improving processes or managing reconciliations, we want to see your problem-solving prowess!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Downing
✨Know Your CASS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CASS regulations and client money rules. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you truly understand the intricacies of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've used your analytical skills to solve problems or improve processes. This could be anything from managing reconciliations to implementing new controls. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your actions.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset
Think of instances where you’ve taken the initiative to drive improvements or efficiencies in your previous roles. Highlight any experience with AI-enabled processes or automation, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since you'll be overseeing a team, it’s important to convey your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you support and guide your team, ensuring high-quality delivery. Show that you value collaboration and can effectively manage relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders.