Head of Middle Office Operations

The Head of Middle Office Operations will be an instrumental member of the leadership and will lead the implementation of the Middle Office Design and the subsequent operational responsibilities.

Head of Middle Office Operations 

Overview:

The Head of Middle Office Operations will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the Middle Office Design and the subsequent operational responsibilities. This role demands strong leadership, a deep understanding of financial products, and the ability to implement industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Management 

Drive efficiency through improved systems utilization, systems integration and process automation.

• Supports the change management process by leveraging technology and assisting in the transition to automated solutions.
• Understands the end to end work breakdown and workflows for each project, and product, and automates processes therein where possible.
• Ideates new ideas, processes, procedures, and ways of working to positively impact the bottom line, the organizational culture, and/or the overall brand.
• Understands progressive and cutting-edge technologies, applications, trends, approaches, and strategies that aid in improving productivity and overall efficiency of processes. 

Risk Management 

Implement an effective Enterprise Risk Management process.

People Management

Collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.

• Effortlessly works in an interdependent manner with others internally and externally (e.g. clients, IM, IB, Legal, and Risk Management)
• Ability to dissect and understand complex problems and build consensus around practical solutions across organizational departments.
• Understands how to motivate teammates to prioritize work to complete various reports and revision of documents
• Inspires teammates to bring skills, abilities, ideas, and energy to the table that they would not have done without the leader's influence or support
• Ability to train and/or organize teammates on new technology ( eg. SharePoint, CRM system)
• Ability to grasp new technology/concepts and communicate ideas in a simple manner

Document Management

Standardize and document relevant processes.

• Prepares client delinquency letters.
• Prepares client statements and ageing reports.
• Understands the front to back Operations process to include major elements of confirmations and settlements, and understand the key elements of other infrastructure groups i.e. Finance, Market risk, Credit risk, Operational risk, Legal, Tax and Compliance.
• Responsible for controlling access to various documents in the central document repository.

Investment Operations

Support investment teams in reconciliations and follow ups.

• Manage dividend payments, track wire payments, investment losses associated with these wire payments, statements, invoicing, covenant testing.
• Apply for covenant waivers and audit confirmations.
• Follow up on past due payments and send required letters for past due collections, requesting and collecting financial statements.
• Obtain KYC info from clients, investors, and Brokers including KYC attestations from Brokers.
• Conduct appropriate reconciliation activities to support the IB Closing Statement issuance.
• Liaise with third parties regarding investment and funding transactions and addressing payment queries.
• Can prepare investment confirmation requests (audit or otherwise) for clients of the Managed Funds.
• Strong knowledge of crime/professional indemnity and commercial all risk insurance policies.
• Can confirm wiring activities and follow up with relevant third parties.

Relevant Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Banking,Operations, Economics, Finance, or equivalent.
• MBA, MSc in General Management, Finance, Enterprise Risk Management would be an asset.
• CFA/CPA/PMP/Project Management Certification would be an asset.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience particularly in end to end Operations, Treasury Operations, Banking Operations and Controls(Back and Middle).
• Strong understanding of banking operations, particularly credit products and the processes supporting same.
• Proven track record of working on multiple projects across several business units.
• Advanced reporting and data analytics knowledge and experience.
• Solid strategic thinker and problem solver.
• Detail-oriented, accurate, organized, able to set priorities.
• Team player, with strong coaching, feedback and listening skills.
• General understanding of international financial markets and the economies of the Caribbean.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, written, organization and presentation skills. 
• High degree of integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, innovative inclination, and strong work ethic.

About Sygnus:

Sygnus is the Caribbean’s leading alternative investment management company spanning private credit, real estate and private equity. Sygnus Capital Limited is a licensed securities dealer in Jamaica with the Financial Services Commission and is focused on providing clients with independent Investment Banking and Investment Advisory Services. As a registered broker, Sygnus Capital is committed to assisting local and regional clients to access financing through the debt or equity capital markets, as well as non-traditional channels through our Private Credit Investment companies. 

Sygnus manages Sygnus Credit Investments Limited (SCI) which is listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and the largest Private Credit Investment company in the English-Speaking Caribbean. SCI is a pioneering private credit investment company, which offers creative debt financing to middle market businesses across the Caribbean. Sygnus Real Estate Finance Limited (SRF) , which was recently listed on the JSE, provides flexible capital (Debt or Equity) to all classes of real estate assets (commercial, hospitality, industrial or residential). Sygnus Deneb Investments Limited (SDI) invests private equity capital in companies in the form of growth capital, buyouts and turnarounds. 

The deadline for submission of applications is 03 November 2023. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.