Senior CASS Analyst

FundRock is a Pan-European leading independent UCITS management company and AIFM (Alternative Investment Fund Manager). Our clients are established blue-chip companies and leaders in their domestic market.
We invest in our people, enabling you to develop your skills and build on your experience.
If you like the idea of working for an ambitious and growing company, as part of a multicultural team, we are the place for you.

Client Money Oversight – Senior Analyst

Department: Client Money Oversight

Reports to: Head of CASS

Location: The Hamilton Centre, Rodney Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3BY

Main Purpose of Role:

The main purpose of the role is to assist in delivering an effective CASS Oversight programme of Apex FundRock Limited (AFL) and FundRock Partners’ Ltd (FPL) third party administrators (TPAs).

CASS Oversight is in the Registered Office in Chelmsford and is part of the firm’s oversight functions of the 2 Authorised Corporate Directors (ACD) of AFL and FPL, reporting into the various Oversight Committees and Board.

As an Senior CASS Analyst, you will supply valuable administrative support, such as helping to collate various CASS documentation, which could include updating various MSWord, Excel and PowerPoint documentation. There will also be an element of learning so that you can understand not only the day to day role but also the regulatory side and the role of the TPAs.

Key Responsibilities:

· Support the Head of CASS for the FCA ‘Client Money Rules’ Oversight performed on the TPAs and the firms AFL and FPL.

· Develop and maintain good working relationships with each team of the businesses and Manco compliance.

· Assist with the client money daily recs, funding requirements and maintain the CASS dashboard for all balances protected into client money.

· Daily reconciliation and adhoc query resolution and liaison with TPAs or other external parties on treatment of balances received and whether they should be protected into client money or treated as firm money;

· Monitor debit card transactions and use of prudent segregation to offset the risk.

· Responsibility of the CASS Bank acknowledgement letters and open / close client money accounts.

· Assist with monitoring for all TPA breaches to verify if there are any client money concerns and that the correct rules have been reported.

· Update the internal breaches dashboard and reporting breach log for all CASS breaches. Liaise with the TPAs to obtain full details of the breach including preventatives and remedials and follow procedures through to closure.

· Assist with compensation payments due and payable to investors due to the ACD’s Fund pricing breaches.

· Maintain and record breach trend analysis for TPA discussions on process and controls as well as reoccurrence;

· Perform weekly Resolution Pack checks to ensure up to date and certified by the Head of CASS on a monthly basis.

· Provide cover for the Head of CASS for CMAR submission into RegData as directed by the Head of CASS;

· Provide monthly audit reconciliation evidence and document charity donations for the year;

· Collate client money management information for the firm’s CASS committee and liaise with CoSec for completion of committee packs ahead of the meeting and documented minutes afterwards.

· Also updated key risk indicators (KRI) for other Oversight Committees as directed;

· Liaise and provide support for queries with appropriate third parties for the CASS oversight process e.g. TPA and auditors , as directed;

· Assist with review of all CASS documentation including annual refresh of procedures to ensure kept up to date.

· Assist with the TPA for the annual CASS 9 mailing out to investors.

· Assist with the annual TPAs due diligence visit and complete the reports to be presented to oversight committees for approval.

· Assist with the annual Bank due diligence reviews and complete the reports to be presented to oversight committees for approval.

· Assist with the annual CASS audit with gathering required information and resolution of audit queries.

· Keep abreast of regulatory change or industry discussions with regards to client money;

· Complete any other appropriate ad hoc tasks as directed;

· Attend CASS review meetings or working groups.

Key Attributes and Qualifications:

· Demonstrate good communication skills, both written and oral and be able to converse at all levels;

· Independent thinking to find efficient and innovative ways to solve problems;

· Meticulous attention to detail;

· Strong multi-tasking abilities; able to juggle conflicting priorities;

· Have a proven hands-on attitude, be flexible and adaptable;

· Respect the Apex Group approach to client care and demonstrate due regard to the interests of the clients in any and all third party dealings;

· Some experience of Transfer Agency processes and fund migrations would be beneficial.

· At least 1-2 years’ experience of client money oversight (DVP & FCM) or CASS SME would be required;

· Knowledge of the UK regulatory environment and rules prescribed in the FCA CASS Handbook (CASS 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10) as well as the SYSC sourcebook;

· Good IT skills – intermediate MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook;

As a vital team member and in return for your expertise, inclusive approach and commitment, we'll provide a favourable salary and the chance to join a passionate and welcoming team. Benefits As a truly global business, we tailor benefits to each location to safeguard our people and respect local cultures and ways of working. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in talent development. Join our global network, and you will benefit from education support, sponsorship and in-house training programs.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Apex (Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Managers) by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position. Apex operates a direct sourcing model and where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our exclusive recruitment partners.