Entry Level Securities Operations Specialist (Trade Settlement & Processing) - Hybrid

Overview:

M&T Bank’s Wealth & Institutional Services Division (WISD) is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Securities Operations Specialist to join the Security Movement and Control (SMAC) team. This team plays a critical role in supporting the trade lifecycle for trust accounts, ensuring the accurate processing, reconciliation, and settlement of high-volume securities transactions. In this role, you will oversee the daily settlement and processing of trading activity across DTC and Federal Reserve systems, working with a range of asset classes including equities, fixed income, and money market instruments. You will focus on validating transaction accuracy, identifying and resolving exceptions, and ensuring trades are completed in a timely and compliant manner. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to build expertise in securities operations within a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

What You’ll Do:

• Support the end-to-end processing and settlement of securities transactions for trust accounts

• Review and validate high volumes of trade activity to ensure accurate and timely settlement

• Reconcile trade data across multiple systems and investigate discrepancies or failed trades

• Resolve transaction issues by partnering with internal teams, investment managers, and third parties

• Process and record cash and asset movements in accordance with established procedures and controls

• Balance and research exception items across depositories, general ledger accounts, and internal systems

• Perform independent verification of transactional activity to ensure accuracy and mitigate risk

• Monitor shared inboxes and workflows to prioritize and respond to incoming requests

• Communicate effectively with front office, middle office, and external partners to resolve issues

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and support implementation efforts

• Ensure all activities comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and risk standards

• Escalate risk and compliance concerns as appropriate

What a Day in the Role Looks Like:

You will spend your day overseeing the settlement of trade activity, much of which is system-generated, ensuring everything aligns correctly across platforms. When exceptions arise, you will step in to research discrepancies, resolve failed trades, and ensure accurate booking of transactions. The environment is structured and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, accountability, and collaboration. You will regularly work across teams and asset types, gaining exposure to the full trade lifecycle while building expertise in securities operations.

Education and Experience Required:

• Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience

• 1+ years’ general work experience

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field

• Internship or early experience in banking, financial services, or operations

• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and quality

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving discrepancies

• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

• Comfortable asking questions and seeking clarity in a fast-paced environment

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize work

• Adaptable and able to manage changing priorities and deadlines

• Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to supporting shared goals

• Exposure to securities operations, trade processing, or back-office banking functions

• Familiarity with financial instruments such as equities, fixed income, or money markets

• Proficiency with Excel and comfort working with data and multiple systems

• Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly learn new platforms and processes

• Solid understanding of basic accounting or financial concepts

Why This Role:

• Exposure to high-value, high-volume trading activity

• Opportunity to build foundational knowledge of the securities trade lifecycle

• Hands-on experience with multiple asset classes and settlement platforms

• A strong entry point into financial services and wealth operations

Work Model & Location:

• This is a hybrid role requiring in-office presence four days per week

• Eligible candidates must live within reasonable commuting distance to 626 Commerce Drive, Amherst, NY 14228

Scheduled Shift/Required Availability:

• Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm

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