Operations Specialist

We are looking for an Operations Specialist to join the Operations department of Ariel Investments.

The Operations Specialist will be responsible for all in-house operational functions that support the investment process, trading and client service. This covers the daily oversight of client accounts in US, international and global products in the areas of account administration, trade support, reconciliation, corporate actions and client reporting.

The individual will be responsible for:

• Account Administration: Process new account set up in various systems, processing of cash flows, in-kind transfers, and open new countries for trading, and security set-up. 
• Trade Support and Settlements: Proactive oversight of trade matching and settlement process for all instruments (i.e. Equity, FX spot and forwards). Research and resolve trade settlement issues working with custodians, brokers and Ariel’s trading desk.
• Reconciliation: Completion of daily and month-end reconciliation deliverables to support client reporting requirements. Ability to consistently meet and exceed deadlines with a focus on continual process improvement.
• Corporate Actions: Oversee both voluntary and mandatory corporate action processing. Communication with the portfolio management team and service providers to ensure timely and accurate communication.
• Projects: Ownership and involvement in special projects to advance team and firm initiatives.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Ariel Behaviors
• All Ariel employees are required to:  (1) read and strictly adhere to all compliance policies and procedures of the various Ariel entities, as applicable; and (2) work together with their teammates to resolve compliance issues.
• The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary

• College degree, BS in Accounting, Economics or Finance a plus, 2-5 years of related work experience in financial services, preferably the investment management industry
• Minimum 2 years of experience providing broad based operational support domestic and international equity strategies, covering developed and emerging markets and FX (spots and forwards).
• Must have prior experience working with account reconciliation, trade settlements and client reporting.
• Knowledge of Eagle (Accounting), Charles River IMS (OMS), and DTCC products (CTM, Trade Suite, ALERT) a plus.
• Track record of successfully delivering work that requires a very keen eye and attention to detail.

• Strong MS Excel skills with ability to utilize macros and formulas
• Knowledge of SWIFT transaction messaging preferred

Action Oriented - Enjoys working hard; is action oriented and full of energy for the things that he/she sees as challenging; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning; seizes more opportunities than others.

Communicate Effectively - Is able to clearly and succinctly communicate verbally and in writing in a variety of settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect.

Time Management - Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done in less time than others; can attend to a broader range of activities.

Problem Solving - Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers.

Self-Development - Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve him/herself; understands that different situations and levels may call for different skills and approaches; works to deploy strengths; works on compensating for weakness and limits.

Peer Relations - Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all; can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups; can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise; is seen as a team player and is cooperative; easily gains trust and support of peers; encourages collaboration; can be candid with peers.

Integrity and Trust - Is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain.