At a Glance
- Tasks: Support operational processes and improve efficiency in a dynamic financial services team.
- Company: Join a collaborative financial services team focused on learning and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and comprehensive training provided.
- Other info: Emphasis on learning, development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in finance with hands-on experience and development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Ideal for recent graduates in Finance, Economics, or related fields.
Operations Business Analyst - Ideal for Finance or Economics Graduates
Location: Chester
Working Pattern: Onsite during initial training period, followed by hybrid working
Salary: £31,000 Per Annum
This opportunity is designed for individuals looking to build a career within financial services and is particularly well suited to recent Finance, Economics, Business, or related graduates. Full training and support will be provided, making it an excellent role for someone eager to learn, develop new skills, and grow their career in the industry.
Please note that this is an entry-level opportunity focused on learning and development. Candidates with extensive industry experience or those seeking a senior-level position may find that the scope and level of this role do not align with their career objectives.
We're looking for an Operations Business Analyst to join a collaborative and fast-paced financial services team in Chester.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in financial services, banking operations, client services, investment operations, business support, middle office, or business analysis who enjoys problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement.
The team is open-minded regarding background and experience. Whilst exposure to areas such as margin, collateral, clearing, derivatives or markets operations would be advantageous, these skills are not essential. The successful candidate will receive structured training and support to develop their knowledge and expertise.
We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, stakeholder management capability and a genuine willingness to learn.
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting operational processes within a busy financial services environment.
- Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Investigating and resolving operational queries and exceptions.
- Analysing data and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
- Contributing to operational efficiency and business change initiatives.
- Producing reports and management information to support business decision-making.
- Working closely with a variety of business functions to ensure operational activities are completed accurately and on time.
- Developing knowledge of financial markets, operational processes and risk management practices.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Experience within Financial Services, Banking, Operations, Client Services, Investment Operations, Business Support, Business Analysis or a similar environment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to build relationships with both internal and external clients.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- A proactive approach and willingness to learn.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change.
Highly Desirable
- Experience in a client-facing or stakeholder-focused role.
- Exposure to financial markets or investment banking environments.
- Experience supporting operational change, process improvement or transformation initiatives.
- Strong Excel and reporting skills.
Nice to Have
Experience in any of the following areas would be beneficial but is not required:
- Collateral Management
- Margin Management
- Clearing Operations
- Prime Brokerage
- Futures & Options
- Derivatives Operations
- Markets Operations
- Middle Office
- Reconciliations
- Counterparty Risk
- Cash & Securities Operations
- FX Operations
- Trade Support
- UAT Testing
- Requirements Gathering
- Agile or Waterfall delivery methodologies
- JIRA
- Regulatory change programmes
Why Apply?
This role offers the opportunity to join a specialist financial services team that places significant emphasis on learning, development and long-term career growth.
The hiring team is looking for individuals with the right mindset, aptitude and stakeholder skills, rather than expecting candidates to arrive with experience across every aspect of the role. If you have a financial services background, enjoy working with people, solving problems and developing new skills, we'd love to hear from you.
Pontoon Solutions is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone’s chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.
Junior Business Operations Analyst in Reading employer: Pontoon Solutions
At Pontoon Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture in Gateshead. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and support for career advancement, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact product strategies and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Business Operations Analyst in Reading
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Pontoon Solutions. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Business Operations Analyst in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Pontoon Solutions.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Pontoon Solutions's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon Solutions
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Pontoon Solutions.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Pontoon Solutions will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Pontoon Solutions employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
