The main purpose of this position is to perform day-to-day operational duties in the trade settlement area within the Financial Markets Department (FMD) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).

Detailed description 

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Capture and monitor trade flows from trade execution to settlement, while ensuring that all controls to mitigate any risks are adhered to.
• Proactively monitor the flow of transactions throughout the integrated systems to ensure final settlement and escalate identified challenges where necessary.
• Check and authorise all batches related to fixed income, futures, foreign exchange (FX) money market instruments and all other FX payments.
• Ensure that all the minimum balances are held in each Nostro account by end of day.
• Review and update all procedure manuals regularly.
• Open accounts for new portfolios with custodian(s).
• Participate in the transition of internal and external portfolios.
• Purchase gold coins from the public.
• Process claims related to late settlements.
• Handle ad hoc internal and external client queries, including requests for balances and statements.
• Maintain operational relationships with clients and counterparties.
• Participate in ad hoc projects and perform ad hoc tasks.
• Propose and implement refinements and continuous improvements to systems, tools, methods and processes.
• Interpret settlement reports and take appropriate actions when necessary.
• Ensure that work is performed within established practices, processes, rules and regulations, ensuring compliance with standards, policies and other guidelines.
• Keep abreast of market developments related to the settlement environment.

Job requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must be in possession of:

• an NQF 5 level qualification in Finance, Banking or Commerce, or an equivalent qualification; and
• 2–5 years’ experience in investment risk management or a related field.

The following would be an added advantage:

• an ACI Operations Certificate.

Additional requirements include: 

• in-depth knowledge and understanding of foreign financial markets, instruments and stakeholders;
• working knowledge and understanding of foreign market systems (e.g. Calypso, FlexCube, SWIFT, Banker’s Almanac);
• a customer service orientation;
• proficiency in Microsoft Office;
• availability to work irregular hours on an ad hoc basis;
• proven ability to deliver results and to respond quickly and effectively to requests; and
• being a team player