Investment Operations Technician

Occupation overview

Investment Operations Technicians work within the operational and administrative areas of businesses in the Financial Services sector that engage in investment management, trading and reporting activities. Transactions in these businesses can range in size from hundreds of pounds to hundreds of millions of pounds. The support structure underpinning these activities is substantial and varied, with a domestic and global client base of institutional and retail clients that include private individuals, small businesses, collective investment schemes, pension funds, charities, corporations and governments.

Occupation Duties

This role typically sits within the Operations areas of stock exchanges, stockbrokers, investment managers, banks, financial advice and wealth management firms, and investment consulting and investment administration businesses. The majority of work at this level would be non-complex but requiring high standards of accuracy, proficiency and responsibility. Typical activities that may be carried out by a fully competent employee include, but are not limited to:

Investment transaction matching, confirmation and settlement
Portfolio valuation
Portfolio cash reconciliation and management
Corporate actions processing
Preparation of internal and client investment reports
Processing significant changes to portfolios as instructed by clients or their authorised agents

Skills

Capable of performing non- complex tasks to consistently high standards of client service, timeliness, accuracy and attention to detail. For example, ensures the timely preparation and accuracy of computerised cash position, valuation, and client reports; monitors and processes the timely allocation of investment income to client account; Ensures that client instructions relating to increasing or liquidating their investments are communicated and processed promptly. Manages own workload and adheres to agreed systems and processes. Meets required risk, regulatory and governance requirements.
Demonstrates high quality written and verbal communication skills with both clients and colleagues. Builds and maintains good relationships with clients and counterparties. Handles everyday situations and issues that arise within the context of their job role. Ensures transactions arising from corporate actions are correctly communicated and allocated to client accounts.
Consistently supports colleagues and contributes towards making improvements and efficiencies. Aware of their role within the team, how their team fits within the business, and the impact of team decisions impacts on internal and external clients.
Takes ownership for delivery in their area of responsibility. Finds ways to progress and resolve non-complex issues, adopting alternative approaches where appropriate. Escalates decisions and issues swiftly when necessary.
Participates proactively in planning and recording their development activities; responds positively to feedback from colleagues. Keeps up to date with changes in all areas of the role; shows commitment to the job and the industry.

Knowledge

Broad understanding of the role and structure of the Financial Services industry, the role and purpose of markets and the principles of investing.; the role of the function in which they work and how this role relates to other support functions within the organisation and corresponding banks and firms.
Understands the Financial Services regulatory framework and how the relevant rules and principles apply to their own role and within their team. Has a good understanding of market and operational risks that may impact their role, departmental activities, the organisation, clients and industry counterparties. Understands what constitutes appropriate market, business and personal conduct.
Good understanding of the purpose & technical content of the financial instruments and/or products supported by the role, including the client need that is met by the product.
Proficient in the IT skills, systems and processes required to deliver the role outcomes. Aware of how these support and fit within the corresponding markets and counterparty organisations. Able to conduct an entire process independently with reliable results.
Knows the principles/tools of excellent client service and company standards required in their role. Understands the service requirements between markets, counterparties and different types of clients.

Behaviours

Truthful, sincere in their actions and does the right thing (even when not the easiest). Handles client information confidentially.
Willing to accept changing priorities and work patterns when new jobs need to be done or requirements change.
Shows drive and energy in their work, when things are going well and when challenges arise

Duration

The duration of the apprenticeship will typically be 18 – 24 months, but could be closer to 12 if the employee has already completed the Level 2 apprenticeship.

Professional Qualifications / Recognition

The apprentice will complete the following qualification as part of the apprenticeship:

Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) – Investment Operations Certificate

This apprenticeship can either be an entry level role, or a progression from a lower level, building on the knowledge and skills gained previously. On completion, the employee will be fully competent in the role and this will form the foundation of a career in the sector and the opportunity to start to specialise in a particular area such as ISA Administration, Global Custody, and Settlements. There are a range of options beyond this apprenticeship including the Level 4 Trailblazer apprenticeship if appropriate for the employer, and separately, there are a range of qualifications available for further study up to degree level.

Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.