Graduate: Settlements Officer (12-Month Contract) at Prescient

Duties and responsibilities:

• This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate looking to start a career in the investment and financial services industry. As a Graduate: Settlements Officer, you will support the trade matching and settlement process across a variety of financial instruments and asset classes. You will work closely with investment managers, brokers, custodians, and internal teams to ensure transactions are processed accurately and efficiently.
• The role offers valuable exposure to investment operations and provides a strong foundation for developing a career in fund services.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the capture, processing, matching, and settlement of investment transactions on internal systems.
• Supporting the settlement of various financial instruments, including equities, fixed income, collective investment schemes (unit trusts), derivatives, foreign exchange transactions, and other investment products.
• Assisting with the preparation and processing of manual settlement instructions where required.
• Verifying trade information received from investment managers, brokers, and counterparties to ensure all details are accurate and complete.
• Supporting the submission of settlement instructions to custodians within required deadlines.
• Maintaining and updating broker, counterparty, and settlement information.
• Investigating and assisting with the resolution of trade-related queries from clients, brokers, custodians, and internal stakeholders.
• Supporting the preparation of incident reports and operational documentation.
• Assisting with projects, process improvements, and new client onboarding activities.
• Ensuring all activities are completed accurately and in accordance with internal controls and operational procedures.
• Performing ad hoc administrative and operational duties as required.

Required qualifications and experience:

• A completed tertiary qualification in Finance, Investments, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Commerce, or a related field.
• Recent graduate or up to 1 year's relevant work experience.
• Strong academic record and an interest in financial markets and investment operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

 Advantageous:

• Exposure to financial services, investment management, fund administration, or related environments through internships, vacation work, or part-time employment.
• Basic understanding of financial markets and investment products.

Key competencies:

• Has strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Is eager to learn and develop within the investment operations environment.
• Takes ownership of tasks and demonstrates initiative.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Has strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Can prioritise tasks and work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Is adaptable and willing to assist with a variety of responsibilities.
• Has a positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn.