At a Glance
- Tasks: Support investment operations and gain exposure to diverse financial processes.
- Company: Join the Church of England's investment team, focused on responsible investment.
- Benefits: Structured development, collaborative environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while learning from experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: Interest in finance and investment; relevant experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Working closely with the Investment Operations Manager, you will gain exposure to a broad range of investment processes and stakeholders across the business. Over time, and depending on performance and interest, there will be opportunities to develop into other areas of the investment team. The Investment Team is staffed by experienced and well-respected individuals and plays a key role in furthering responsible investment activities for the Church of England. We build strong partnerships and use our collective influence to encourage positive change and improve investment and stewardship outcomes and generate long-term value for members of the pension schemes we manage. This role offers structured development and exposure to a wide range of investment activities. The post-holder will be expected to work a minimum of one day a week at Church House, Westminster, London.
Responsibilities
- Investment Operations
- Support the reconciliation of fund manager records with custodian data, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Monitor fund manager activity against internal restrictions and guidelines.
- Assist in overseeing corporate actions, tax reclaims, and class action opportunities.
- Reporting & Analysis
- Produce regular reporting for internal stakeholders including senior management.
- Assist in the preparation of performance and operational KPIs.
- Respond to ad hoc data requests, providing clear analysis and insights.
- Support audit processes, including preparation of supporting documentation.
- Cash & Liquidity Management
- Assist with the preparation and processing of cash transfers and payment instructions.
- Monitor and reconcile cash balances across custodian accounts.
- Maintain and enhance cashflow tracking and forecasting tools.
- Process Improvement & Data
- Maintain and improve operational spreadsheets and reporting tools.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and the use of new technologies.
- Develop skills in data analysis, including the potential use of AI tools and advanced Excel techniques.
- Wider Team Support
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across investment, finance and external providers.
- Assist in preparing materials, reports, and presentations.
- Contribute to projects across the investment team, including responsible investment initiatives.
Qualifications
- Knowledge & Experience
- A strong interest in financial markets and investment management.
- Some relevant internships or work experience in finance, investment, or data analysis is desirable but not essential.
- An understanding (or interest in developing understanding) of investment operations, risk concepts, and data analysis.
- Skills & Attributes
- Highly numerate with strong attention to detail.
- Confident using Excel (e.g. formulas, data analysis, reconciliation); interest in developing more advanced data skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage your own workload and priorities.
- Curious and proactive, with a willingness to learn and improve processes.
- Comfortable working with data and developing an understanding of risk metrics (e.g. volatility, attribution).
- Good written communication skills with the ability to produce clear and accurate reports.
- Confidence (or willingness to develop confidence) in presenting information.
- Interest in technology, including the potential use of AI and automation in investment processes.
- Education & Development
- Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as Finance, Economics, Mathematics or similar.
- Working towards or willingness to study for a professional qualification (e.g. IMC, CFA).
- Ongoing learning mindset and intellectual curiosity.
About Us
The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation - a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.
We Include. You Belong. Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.
Living out our values in all that we do, we:
- Strive for Excellence
- Show Compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with Integrity
We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward. The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people who share our values. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you.
Use of AI in your application: We appreciate that you may want to use AI tools to help you with your application. We're happy for you to use AI to come up with ideas and help structure your thoughts, but you shouldn't use AI to fabricate information or write your whole application for you. One of our values is integrity, and although we want you to demonstrate your best self, we don't want an AI-generated persona. If you simply copy and paste AI-generated content into your application, this will reduce your chances of success.
Investment Operations Assistant in London employer: The Church of England
The Church of England in Liverpool is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that values diversity and inclusivity. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through diocesan training courses and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. With a strong commitment to nurturing vocations, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with various church traditions and contribute to the spiritual development of lay ministry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Operations Assistant in London
✨Tap into Campus Resources
Universities often have strong ties with banks and financial institutions. Make sure to check in with your career services for any internship fairs or networking events. These can be golden opportunities to meet representatives from firms like The Church of England and make a lasting impression.
✨Join Finance Societies and Clubs
Get involved with finance or investment clubs at your university. These not only offer great networking potential but often host guest speakers from the industry. Show your enthusiasm and engage with these professionals—who knows, they might tip you off about internship openings at The Church of England!
✨Have Your Application Ready to Go
Internship applications can be competitive and come with tight deadlines. Be proactive! Have your CV and cover letter prepared and tailored for roles at The Church of England. When the openings go live, you’ll want to be one of the first to apply.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
LinkedIn is a powerful tool, especially in the banking sector. Follow recruiters from The Church of England and connect with alumni who are working in similar roles. Don’t hesitate to drop them a message to introduce yourself and express your interest in internships—they might have insider info or even refer you!
We think you need these skills to ace Investment Operations Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Grades!:In banking and financial services, your academic background is super important. Make sure to highlight your grades, especially in finance, economics, or maths. If you've got any relevant coursework or projects, don’t hesitate to include them in your CV!
Craft Your Cover Letter with Care:For an internship, we want to see your enthusiasm and motivation. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re excited about this opportunity at The Church of England and what you hope to learn. Be personal and connect the dots between your education and the role of Investment Operations Assistant.
Squeaky Clean CV:Your CV should be clear and free of jargon. Focus on the skills that matter most in the banking sector, like analytical thinking and attention to detail. Don't forget to include any internships or part-time jobs that show your experience in a banking environment!
Utilise Relevant Experiences:If you've been involved in finance-related clubs or societies at university, mention that in your application. Showing your practical experience alongside your studies can make a real difference and demonstrate your passion for the financial world. We love seeing candidates who go the extra mile!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Show Us Your Analytical Skills
As an intern in the banking and financial services sector, you'll want to showcase your analytical skills. Be ready to tackle numerical and case questions during your interview. Brush up on your data interpretation abilities and consider scenarios where you've used data to solve problems.
✨Know Your Financial Tools
Familiarise yourself with the financial tools and software commonly used in banking, like Bloomberg or Excel for financial modelling. We recommend having a couple of examples where you've applied these tools in your studies or projects to impress the interviewer.
✨Be Passionate About Learning
Internships are all about learning, so express your enthusiasm for the banking industry. Share what trends you're excited about, or recent news you've followed, to show you're motivated and engaged. This can set you apart from other candidates who might be less enthusiastic.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural questions that assess your fit within a team and your ability to handle challenges. Think of examples from your studies or group projects that highlight your teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills. We want to see how you've navigated situations that are relevant to the workplace!