Operations & Tech Graduate Analyst at Prescient

Purpose of role:

• This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to launch a career in financial markets.
• The role combines traditional settlements responsibilities with a strong focus on technology, data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence. You will gain exposure to the full trade lifecycle while helping the business identify smarter ways of working through data-driven insights, process improvement, and digital innovation.
• The successful candidate will be naturally curious, highly analytical, technologically savvy, and passionate about leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency.

Duties and responsibilities:
Settlement Operations & Trade Support

• Assist with the settlement of Equities, Bonds and Derivatives transactions in accordance with JSE Rules, Directives, and internal procedures.
• Monitor settlement activity and assist in investigating and resolving settlement exceptions, breaks, and failed trades.
• Perform daily cash and securities reconciliations and escalate discrepancies promptly.
• Liaise with custodians, banks, counterparties, and internal stakeholders to support seamless transaction processing.
• Maintain accurate settlement records and supporting documentation.
• Develop an understanding of the end-to-end trade lifecycle, including trade execution, allocation, confirmation, settlement, and reconciliation.

Data Analytics, Automation & AI Innovation

• Use data analytics to identify trends, exceptions, and opportunities for operational improvements.
• Assist in building dashboards, reports, and management information using Power BI, Excel, Power Query, or similar tools.
• Use emerging technologies responsibly to improve productivity and reduce manual processing across Operations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and digital transformation projects.

Systems & Technology Support

• Assist with monitoring operational and trading systems.
• Support troubleshooting of system-related issues and escalate problems where required.
• Conduct daily system checks and assist in ensuring operational readiness.
• Maintain process documentation, user guides, and knowledge-sharing materials.
• Collaborate with technology and operations teams to test new functionality and enhancements.

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

• Complete all required compliance, AML/CFT, and regulatory training.
• Support the maintenance of strong operational controls and risk management practices.
• Assist with audit requests by gathering and preparing supporting documentation.
• Ensure records are accurate, complete, and maintained according to regulatory requirements.
• Support client onboarding and operational due diligence activities where required.

Projects & Change Initiatives

• Participate in business improvement projects, system implementations, and process enhancements.
• Support user acceptance testing (UAT), data validation, and operational readiness activities.
• Contribute ideas to improve operational processes, reporting, and client experience.
• Assist in documenting workflows and recommending more efficient ways of working.

Required qualifications and experience: 

• A completed bachelor’s degree, Diploma in Finance, Investment Management, Financial Markets, Accounting, Economics, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 0-2 years' experience within financial services, investment operations, data analytics, fintech, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated interest in financial markets and the investment industry, supported by a strong academic track record.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyse and manipulate data effectively.

Advantageous:

• Internship, vacation work, or project exposure within financial services, asset management, stockbroking, fintech, or investment operations.
• Exposure to financial markets, investment products, or settlements through studies, projects, or work experience.
• Familiarity with Power BI, Power Query, SQL, Python, Power Automate, VBA, Copilot, ChatGPT, or other AI tools.
• Progress toward JSE, RPE, CFA, or similar industry qualifications including the following exams:
• Introduction to Financial Markets RPE – SAIFM
• JSE Equity Compliance Officer Exam
• JSE Equity Settlement Officer Exam

Key competencies:

• Quick to learn and adapt to new systems, technologies, and ways of working.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across stakeholder groups.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and resilient, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, curious, and solutions-oriented, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• High levels of accuracy, accountability, and attention to controls, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple systems, datasets, and business areas within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong digital, technology, and AI fluency, with a passion for innovation, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach and keen attention to detail.
• Ability to analyse complex information, identify trends and exceptions, and drive process improvements.