Settlements Officer at Prescient

Purpose of role:

• This role’s main focus is to assist Prescient Fund Services (PFS) clients with the trade matching and settlement process.

The main duties include but are not limited to:

• You will ensure all capturing / processing, matching and settlement of all trades to the accounting system timeously which include Equities, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Unit Trusts / CIS investments, Call Transfers, SWAPs, FX deals etc.
• Preparing manual instructions for any unlisted trade settlements where necessary: Physical MM, Private Placements, Off Market trades, Offshore investments, Fund of Fund investments, validate account details on Swap agreements, etc.
• Ensure trades are matched between client notification and counterparty confirmation:
• You will ensure broker / counterparty account and trade details reconcile with our records.
• You will ensure that the managers notification reconciles with the counterparty confirmation.
• Sending settlement instructions to custodian for all trades timeously via SWIFT as necessary only once deals have been matched to the counterparty confirmations.
• Maintaining broker settlement details, contact details and brokerage rates.
• Compiling of incident reports.
• Resolving external and internal queries relating to all trades from brokers, clients and custodians.
• You will need to build and maintain healthy client and counterparty relationships to ensure resolution of settlement issues identified.
• Adhoc queries and tasks.
• Ensure appropriate controls are in place to mitigate risk.
• Supporting the management and co-ordination of team deliverables relating to projects and new client take-on’s.

Required qualifications and experience:

• A minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in a similar role is essential.
• A relevant tertiary qualification is advantageous but not required.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification in Finance or a related field would be advantageous.

Key competencies:

• Self-starter who is willing to take on responsibility for a wide array of tasks in a small company.
• Ability to work under limited supervision.
• You are a team player, putting the interest of the team ahead of your own personal interests.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Willing to work extra hours when required.
• Honesty, integrity and mutual respect for co-workers. You have the ability to deal with different cultural and business situations.
• A person who is very diligent and thorough in their daily duties.
• Understanding of the financial markets and instruments.
• Pro-active and able to grasp concepts quickly.
• Ability to use initiative and multitask.
• Strong attention to detail under immense pressure.