Senior Valuations Analyst at Rand Merchant Bank

About the job

Markets – Senior Valuations Quant (Analyst)

RMB is a market leader in Investment Banking and our biggest asset is our people. We believe there is no end to what we can achieve for our clients, our shareholders and ourselves if we have the right people. We seek the best – smart, hard-working, self-motivated, committed people with positive attitudes and passion for their work and the success of RMB. Our people come from many different backgrounds which adds richness to our talent pool. We offer a non-hierarchical, entrepreneurial environment where our people think and act like owners. We empower people, hold them accountable and reward exceptional performance.

All suitable qualified candidates will be considered, and appointments will be made in line with the Bank’s EE Strategy.

Role Purpose

Leveraging robust derivative valuation experience to resolve any valuation discrepancies arising from systems, models and inputs. Provide independent valuations, either for P&L or to inform business decisions. Build professional working relationships with all stakeholders, displaying abilities to communicate and provide reporting at all levels.

This role also entails a level of management responsibility. This includes the ability to motivate, delegate, and empower appropriately, enabling the team to take responsibility and display appropriate creativity and initiative. In addition, the candidate needs to be able to work with the team to actively grow their skills and lead them in operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Check and ensure validity and accuracy of valuations given the inputs and models used, and investigate & resolve discrepancies and data issues impacting valuations

• Check validity and reliability of data sources and data used

• Quantify valuation-related reserves for incorrect models, inputs etc.

• Provide support to the P&L Accountants if there are technical valuations issues that cannot be resolved

• Challenge balance sheet numbers

• Consider both banking and trading book requirements for all products

• Engage with the Deal Conclusion Forum (DCF) on an ad hoc basis to provide them with comfort around the model, propose market norms and identify down-the-line issues

• Sit on the Market Risk Technical Committee (MRTC) and provide an expert opinion on modelling throughout the bank

• Maintain awareness of country specific regulations and pricing realities, as well as ensuring compliance with regulations regarding valuation and reserving; analyse and research relevant products; and stay relevant and up to date with legislations and new development

• Build and maintain professional working relationships with all stakeholders, displaying excellent abilities to initiate dialogue, listen, advise, influence, and negotiate to achieve win-win outcomes.

• Initiate meetings with key stakeholders to track progress, manage expectations and ensure stakeholders’ requirements are delivered

• Preserves relationships despite airing conflicting views and seeks mutual gains when addressing conflicts

• Anticipates consequences and adapts problem solving based on continual feedback

• Act speedily to resolve problems, queries and complaints

• Adapt communication styles to meet the needs of different audiences

• Demonstrates pride in the organisation’s brand, services and products by consistently delivering on the brands promise

• Plan and manage own workflow, anticipating obstacles, juggling priorities and following through on objectives within agreed timeframes and according to quality standards

• Provide measurable and specific real-time feedback to team members to ensure that daily operations are in line with agreed performance measures.

• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback

• Handle stress in ways that do not negatively impact others

• Take ownership of personal career development, leveraging formal and informal opportunities

• Act in an ethical, transparent and morally defensible manner, including highlighting unethical practices

• Continually share, debate and communicate learning’s

• Contribute to a friendly, co-operative climate in working with others to achieve collective goals

Qualifications and Experience:

• Post-graduate qualification in Mathematical Finance or another quantitative discipline

• 7+ year’s financial services, preferably banking experience

Technical Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of financial instruments and the pricing principles underlying these

• Financial modelling

• Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced Excel

• 5+ years financial services, preferably banking experience