The Senior Associate will be part of Operations Readiness for New Client On-boarding
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the Funds Industry
Lead role in the management and support of User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Help support the BA responsible for Operations Readiness workstream of new client launches and conversions
Design and implement global operating models
Deliver quality Model Office/UAT testing for system enhancements, new operating models and connectivity for new client launches and conversions
Build an Operational Implementation Program utilized for new client prospects
Work closely and provide support to Sales; Service Delivery; Client Services and various other key stakeholders
Attend due diligence, gap analysis and other relevant project meetings
Active participant in client project calls and Governance for operational readiness
May lead client/internal workshops and calls
Participate and manage Workstream Meetings
Liaise extensively with clients to establish exact requirements, agree solutions for global operation model
Clearly document requirements including workflows and hold workshops to determine solutions and get agreement internally and with clients
Proactively identify and manage project risks
Ensure appropriate measures are taken to mitigate these risks
Thorough documentation throughout the project life cycle including all required signoffs
Issue tracking and management
Design and document the operating model
Coordinate the Model office for large conversions with the Operational Teams
Assist Operations teams in the creation, maintenance and execution of model office test plans
Provide clear reporting on the status of Model office
Prepare Non-Standard Process reports and facilitate their review with Risk and Compliance
Support and interact with other business units involved in the project and coordinate the project team and activities
Work within the Transfer Agency Project Office structure and ensure that all standard templates are used and required resources are procured
Respond directly to client inquiries and concerns
Conduct testing and research to provide accurate responses
Improve the Onboarding process by streamlining reports, documenting checklists, processes and procedures
Quantify the risks and determine potential workarounds to assist the team in prioritization
Review conversion-related business requirements documents
Provide feedback, clarify requirements and assist Conversion Business Analysts to ensure successful delivery of business needs enhancements
Assist the conversion team in analyzing results of the conversion process
Assist Operations team in conversion reconciliations
Analyze post-conversion needs and processes specific to first 3 business days
Support post-conversion issues found during the warranty period
Ownership, management and development of strong client relationships
Develop and maintain a comprehensive New Client Onboarding playbook and ensure all tasks are delivered/completed on a timely basis
Work with Operations management team to define new processes to support specific client requirements and execute strategies to completion
Handle and resolve complex or unusual operational and managerial problems
Continuously develop expertise in all areas of the business
Seek opportunities to automate, standardize, and streamline the product/client implementation
Delivery of presentations to potential new clients demonstrating why IFDS should be their strategic partner
Requirements
In-depth Transfer Agency Operational knowledge
Excellent administrative, organizational and business support skills, with the ability to multi-task and work calmly under pressure
Strong Analytical skills – able to accurately identify, document and recommend solutions to complex business problems
Innovative/Creative thinker – seeks out continuous improvement
Develops solutions and new ways of thinking about challenges
Excellent working knowledge of MS Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Ability to work accurately to tight deadlines
Proactive and able to work independently and as part of a team
Expert knowledge of TA applications
Requires comparative product knowledge and industry knowledge; knowledge of financial investment markets, trends and competitive framework
In-depth understanding of the standard rules, regulations and legislation surrounding the mutual fund administration industry
Demonstrated leadership skills including initiative, accountability, credibility, and consensus building
Ability to manage direct and indirect reports in a virtual team setting
Extensive work experience in a similar, client-facing role
Detailed understanding of mutual fund products and thorough understanding of distribution channels and requirements in terms of client and product needs in investment management market
Very strong verbal and written skills, as well as high level of interpersonal skill to interact with senior business professionals
Well-developed decision-making, judgment and problem-solving skills
Ability to engage internal stakeholders across different functional areas
Client Service orientation, with a proven ability to work with clients and internal groups to diagnose and develop solutions
Strong quantitative, analytical and problem solving/troubleshooting skills combined with the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from qualitative client feedback or large data sets
Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop new proposals/solutions
Proven project management skills, with strong attention to detail and flexibility to handle multiple projects and changing priorities
Enthusiastic and proactive approach with meticulous attention to detail
Positive impact – performs in a manner that makes a strong positive impression on others; high energy level, a problem-solving approach
Undergraduate degree
Experience with analysis and project life cycle methodologies as well as an understanding of the implementation project life cycle is preferred
Proactive in acquiring information to develop new skills to improve job performance; grasps new material quickly and easily, and applies new information, concepts and procedures in a constructive manner
Detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to enhance process improvement capabilities
Understanding of investment concepts and the ability to communicate a working knowledge of investment strategies and products
Knowledge of the mutual fund processing and quality control; call centers and the administrative back-office