Implementation Analyst (DFM)

Introduction

Our client is a dynamic and fast growing Discretionery Fund Management (DFM) business in Cape Town, who has a new requirement in their investment team. As a Portfolio Implementation Analyst, you will be working within a team of highly experienced, thought-leading, and globally connected investment professionals. This is a critical function that sits within our investment team, responsible for translating investment decisions into action across our range of unit trust funds and model portfolios. The DFM business has substantial AUM in client assets across local and offshore markets, and provide investment advisory services and fund manager research to local and offshore clients across global markets. In this role you will gain deep, hands-on exposure to how investment strategy and asset allocation decisions are implemented in practice, working closely with the rest of the investment team to ensure our clients’ portfolios reflect house view accurately and efficiently.

The Role

You will report to the Head of Investment Process, and will play an essential, core role within the implementation function. This includes the daily trading of local and offshore unit trust funds, the management and rebalancing of model portfolios in line with Investment Committee decisions, and the production of portfolio management reporting for internal and client-facing use. This is an investment role first and foremost. You will need to understand the “why” behind portfolio changes, not just execute them, and will work closely with the wider investment team to ensure that trading and rebalancing correctly reflect asset allocation and fund selection decisions. Beyond day-to-day implementation, you will play a key role in the continual improvement of the companies trading and implementation processes, and will partner withthe development team on the design and build-out of a front-end system to support and streamline implementation across the investment team. This is an opportunity to help shape how implementation is done at the company and hence is a significant career developpment opportunity with the commensurate remuneration benefits.

Experience & Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in an asset management, discretionary fund management, or unit trust environment, with direct experience in investment dealing or portfolio implementation. Candidates from DFM or multi-manager implementation teams are strongly encouraged to apply
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. finance, investment management, or another numerate discipline)
• Sound working knowledge of unit trust structures, dealing/trading processes, and the mechanics of model portfolio implementation, including cash flow and liquidity management
• A process-improvement mindset, with the ability to identify and design better ways of working. Prior experience contributing to or driving system/process build projects is a strong advantage
• Comfortable working closely with a development team to translate investment and implementation requirements into system functionality
• Highly disciplined and diligent, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, and the rigour required to manage daily trading and reporting deadlines without error
• Strong Excel skills are essential, and given your role in building out our front-end implementation system, working knowledge of tools such as SQL, Python, or Power BI/Power Query is expected. Comfort with AI tools to improve process efficiency is also expected
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, able to engage confidently with the investment team on the rationale behind portfolio decisions

To apply for this role please send your CV and supporting documentation to operations@asearch.co.za