At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations in Public Markets and collaborate with experts to enhance processes.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a commitment to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning about financial markets and operations.
- Qualifications: Financial experience and problem-solving skills are a plus; enthusiasm is key!
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.
In your role as Public Markets Operations Associate you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to provide exposure to our end-to-end process of Public Markets Operations working closely with the front office teams and support areas in performing day-to-day tasks and delivering business readiness for new initiatives impacting the Operations team. Good collaboration with external stakeholders (fund managers, custodians, and fund accounting teams) is a key requirement. The role is within the Public Markets team and is responsible for the day-to-day core trading support of the scheme, investigation of exceptions and reconciliations which feeds into the NAV process. The Scheme investments cover a broad range of assets, and a flexible can-do attitude is required. The role supports the overall purpose of USS by helping to ensure accuracy in the valuation of the assets held on behalf of the members.
What you will be doing
- Daily investigation and correction of price exceptions and the stale / static values of assets
- Daily investigation and resolution of reconciling items of all cash and positions across the Scheme for internal and external managers
- Liaison with the third-party providers for Fund Accounting and Custodian services (JP Morgan and Northern Trust)
- Working collaboratively with the Middle Office sub-team on daily trade support review and on new onboardings and transitions
- Liaison with external fund managers and internal trading desk in investigating and clearing reconciliation differences
- Daily review of NAV’s produced by our Fund Accountants, investigation of differences between the IBOR and the ABOR with the aim to better align the two and reduce the differences
- Identify & deliver improvements on day-to-day process
- Support business initiatives impacting the wider team and delivery of BAU
- Operational oversight of Defined Contribution cash flows on segregated mandates
- Creation and monitoring of operational procedures
Stakeholder management
- Build a strong relationship with USS colleagues
- Develop close working relationships with third party service partners
Development
- Look for training opportunities to enhance skills
- Improve personal skill matrix score each year
- Develop end-to-end experience of Public Markets Operations
Support
- Provide support to the Public Markets Operations Manager in resolution of queries, supporting junior team members and managing stakeholders
About you
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Financial experience beneficial
- Business qualification advantageous – part/fully qualified accountant
- Business/ Operational experience of working with a range of assets and awareness of investment products
- Experience of Bloomberg AIM an advantage
- Problem solving with independent thought
- Ability to support more junior team members
- Attention to detail
- Can do attitude
- Ability to work independently
- Good Excel skills
Why join us?
How we will reward you
- Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our culture
- Social Mobility Pledge
- Menopause Workplace Pledge
- Actively support Women in Tech
- Annual Intern programme supporting individuals to gain work experience.
About us
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for more than 500,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £90.8bn (at 31 March 2022).
USSIM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know.
Public Markets Operations Associate in London employer: USS
At USS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that fosters collaboration and professional growth. Our hybrid working model provides flexibility, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have the resources to thrive in your Compliance Advisory role. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, we create a supportive culture where every individual can contribute meaningfully to our mission of securing financial futures for our members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Markets Operations Associate in London
✨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 USS. 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 Public Markets Operations Associate in London
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 USS.
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 USS'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 USS
✨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 USS.
✨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 USS 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 USS 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.
