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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 chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values integrity and innovation in finance.
- Qualifications: CASS qualification and 4 years of operational experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a team and drive meaningful process improvements.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 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.
- Controls, Governance & Audit: 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. Monitoring operational effectiveness of departmental systems and controls.
- Process Improvement & Innovation: 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.
- General Duties: 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 employer: Downing
Contact Detail:
Downing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operational Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Downing and understanding their values as a B Corp. We want to see your passion for investments that matter, so be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've improved processes or implemented efficiencies in your previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate a proactive mindset and a knack for problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are eager to make an impact in the world of finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Specialist role. 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 of delivering investments that matter!
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. Be sure to mention any process improvement initiatives you've led, as we love a proactive mindset.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your analytical capabilities. We’re looking for someone who can dive deep into data and improve processes, so share examples of how you've done this in previous roles. It’ll help us see your potential!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 specific examples of how you've adhered to these in your previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss instances where you've used your analytical capabilities to solve problems or improve processes. Think about times when you identified inefficiencies and how you implemented changes—especially if they involved AI or automation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this role involves overseeing a team, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've guided teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations, and how you ensure quality delivery in operational tasks.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Downing’s approach to process improvement and their use of technology in operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.