Associate - Technology & Product Solutions (Business Efficiency)

As the Associate – Business Efficiency, you will work alongside Catalyst's management and operations teams to execute the firm's automation strategy. You will play a critical role in the creation, design, development, and implementation of automation systems that drive operational efficiencies. The position requires you to maintain automation programs, support the maintenance of automation platforms such as Xceptor, and work together with a team of developers working on the development, testing, and deployment of automated solutions.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Automation & Program Delivery
2. Automation of Data Management & Systems Integration
3. Issue Resolution & Financial System Expertise
4. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
5. Client Interaction & Ad-hoc Support
6. Cross-Functional
   Collaboration

Requires Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in fund administration or a similar financial services environment. Experience in operational efficiency, automation, or process optimization is essential.
• Advanced knowledge of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools such as Automation Anywhere, UI Path, or similar.
• Previous knowledge of AI programming will be a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of data management platforms. Familiarity with OMS/PMS, data warehouse integration, and FTP processes is a must.
• Some experience with data management systems, vendor systems (e.g., Bloomberg, Markit, Reuters), and financial data integration.
• Familiarity with SQL, VBA, and/or other programming languages is preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, is essential for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system-based issues that affect operational processes and financial data accuracy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Prior experience in client-facing roles and managing relationships from a service perspective.
• Intermediate knowledge of Xceptor/Azure, with a focus on its use for automation and data management within the fund administration industry.
• Intermediate understanding of the investment fund industry, including portfolio management, NAV, accounting, and audit processes.
• Awareness of industry regulations and compliance requirements affecting financial services and fund administration.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, with a focus on driving innovation and efficiency through automation.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken). Additional language skills would be beneficial but not required.

Preferred Skills: 

• In-depth understanding of complex financial instruments, including listed and OTC derivatives, and their associated valuations.
• Advanced knowledge of portfolio accounting systems (e.g., Advent Geneva) and fund accounting.

Your Daily Tasks

The following are the tasks linked to the Core Responsibilities that will be expected as part of this role:

1. Automation & Program Delivery: 

Includes (but not limited to) the following tasks:

a) Automation Planning & Delivery: Maintain successful planning, development and delivery of large-scale automation programs, ensuring these programs deliver significant business transformation benefits. You will follow multiple automation initiatives, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget.

b) Program Management: Oversee the execution of automation projects, including the identification of new automation technologies and the implementation of solutions that transform operational capabilities. Drive process improvements and increased efficiency through automation across various lines of business.

2. Automation of Data Management & Systems Integration:

Includes (but not limited to) the following tasks:

a) Data Management Automation: assisting in the automation of bulk data management processes, including trades, positions, pricing, static data, and corporate actions. Work with technical teams to ensure that data is seamlessly integrated into portfolio systems.

b) Systems Integration: Support the integration of portfolio management systems (PMS) and order management systems (OMS) with data warehouses, reporting systems, and other related Ensure that all integrations function smoothly and efficiently.

c) System Administration Support: Assist with the system administration and ongoing maintenance of portfolio management systems, data management systems, and reporting platforms, ensuring that they remain operational, secure, and optimized.

d) SOC Audit Support: Help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by supporting the applicable SOC audits for portfolio and data management systems. Ensure systems are aligned with industry standards and operational policies.

3. Issue Resolution & Financial System Expertise:

Includes (but not limited to) the following tasks:

a)System Issue Resolution: Resolve complex system-based queries that impact on the accuracy of position and PSL valuations. Work with technical teams to troubleshoot and provide solutions to system issues, ensuring data

b) Valuation & Setup of Assets: Assist in the setup and maintenance of asset classes and valuations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data used for reporting and analysis.

c) Advent Geneva Expertise: Develop and maintain an intermediate knowledge of Advent Geneva portfolio and general ledger Ensure the system is configured and operating effectively to support fund accounting, asset management and reporting.

d) Xceptor/Azure Knowledge: Develop intermediate knowledge and support the development of automation solutions using these platforms to improve operational efficiency.

4. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:

Includes (but not limited to) the following tasks:

a) Process Improvement: Continuously identify areas of inefficiency in operational processes and recommend solutions that leverage automation and technology to streamline

b) Operational Excellence: Champion the adoption of process automation technologies and encourage cross-functional collaboration to improve operational efficiency and

5. Client Interaction & Ad-hoc Support:

Includes (but not limited to) the following tasks:

a) Client Collaboration: Work indirectly with clients to understand their automation needs and identify opportunities where Catalyst can provide Ensure that client requirements are translated into effective automation solutions.

b) Ad-hoc Requests: Provide support for any day-to-day requests that arise from clients or internal teams. Work proactively to solve issues and ensure that service levels are

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Includes (but not limited to) the following tasks:

a) Help manage workloads and ensure team members have the resources and support they need to succeed.

b) Collaboration Across Teams: Collaborate with other operational teams, including IT, client services, and business users, to implement automation solutions and ensure seamless integration into existing workflows.