Junior Pricing / Security Master Specialist?
This role is from a buy-side investment management firm. Does anybody have any opinions on this role? It seems to be somewhat like trade ops or maybe plain operations. What are possible exit ops for a role such as this? Appreciate the support!
Job Description
The Junior Pricing/Security Master Specialist will be responsible for maintaining accurate core firm data such as pricing, security classifications, variable rates, dividend rates, credit ratings, etc. Daily tasks include monitoring receipt of automated feeds, pricing, security set ups, reviewing exception reports, researching discrepancies, responding to ad-hoc requests, maintaining ticket queues, and obtaining data from various internal and external sources as well as primary market data vendors.
Other duties include, but not limited to:
Responsible for learning how to use various pricing systems such as Remote Plus from IDC and Bloomberg to find prices on all securities such as bonds, options, futures, equities, etc.
Responsible for learning how to use various pricing methodologies for Alternative Assets such as private equity, hedge funds, commodities, credit derivatives, etc.
Understand the effect that changes in prices and other data elements have on portfolio performance and be sensitive to these changes
Have general knowledge of security characteristics and market dynamics and how these entities impact firm wide reporting
Research securities with hard to find prices and escalate issues to management when appropriate
Review rejected transactions log and set up securities that are missing in the system
Perform daily review of pricing exception reporting on missing and stale securities prices and price variances resulting in significant market value changes
Maintain the manual pricing request queue and facilitate price changes between portfolio managers, the reporting system, and custodians
Maintain the asset set up queue and ensure that new assets are set up correctly and quickly as it can impact trade execution in a volatile market
Assist with processing corporate actions such as stock splits, cusip/ticker changes, spin offs, acquisitions, etc.
Update and maintain index return rates on a monthly basis using Bloomberg and Barclay's Live
Be able to meet tight deadlines in a quick and efficient manner
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a solid proficiency and understanding of both equity and fixed income securities and a general knowledge of market mechanics
A high level of attention to detail and ability to work under pressure is required as errors can have significant financial risk
Prior experience within a broker/dealer or trading operations department is helpful
Bachelor degree required, degree preference is Finance, Accounting or Economics
Demonstrate an aptitude for numbers and math
Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Customer focus and follow-up skills
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Demonstrate experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Excel, experience with macros and VBA is a plus
Strong time-management skills and ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines and a sense of urgency
Demonstrate general market knowledge about stocks, bonds, options, etc.
Bloomberg terminal and API knowledge is a plus
