About The Role

To effectively manage the Fund Operations functions, to ensure the provision of Fund Operations services to all MUFG Retirement Solutions clients. To manage, drive and ‘own’ the relationship between the client and the Fund Operations team, the outcome of which is the provision of a value added service and a reduction in operational risk that facilitates the retention of existing profitable business and profitable growth of the client portfolio.

Key Accountabilities and main responsibilities

Strategic Focus

Oversee the Fund Operations Team to ensure alignment with the company’s mission, strategy, and objective
Enhance standardisation of business processes to drive operational performance
Regularly review work practices/procedures to identify opportunities to improve quality or productivity
Lead projects which provide a value added service and a reduction in operational risk to MUFG Retirement Solutions which facilitate retention of existing profitable business and profitable growth of the client portfolio

Operational Management

Develop and implement changes to relevant policies and procedures within the Fund Operations Team to ensure service quality standards and adherence to the latest regulatory and legislative requirements
Supervise the daily fund operations for the ORSO schemes (trade order placement, valuation and reconciliation, etc.)
Ensure successful, timely, and accurate delivery of reporting of fund / redemption amount, cash flow management, and relevant reconciliations
Successful day-to-day management of the Unit pricing / Crediting rate upload process
Resolve or further escalate issues, flagged transactions, and risks raised by Fund Operations Team for reporting internally to senior management and externally to client (governance meeting etc.)
Review and provide approvals where applicable on procedural updates for Fund Operations processes
Ensure collaboration with internal functions (Operations, Business Support etc.) such as providing Fund Operations input where needed in operational enquiries or internal system enhancements
Manage relationships with external parties (Fund Managers, Custodians etc.) and act as Client Accounting representation where needed for discussions, negotiations, resolutions etc
Manage organisational and technological change affecting the Fund Operations team
Champion the implementation of new business processes to achieve beneficial improvements
Emphasise the importance of client relationships and the critical nature of the processes across the team

People Leadership

Develop appropriate succession plans and increase skills within the Fund Operations Team
Support with training, coaching, and sharing of best practices with the Fund Operations Team
Encourage an environment of openness and information sharing within the Client Accounting Team, by implementing regular team meetings and communication processes
Provide regular feedback to team members on day-to-day operational activities including reporting and reconciliations, engagement with external parties, unit pricing and rates maintenance etc. as part of performance evaluation
Assist with management of team resources and planning

Governance & Risk

Ensure that all operations and practices are compliant with legislative requirements and Company policies and to critically appraise internal practices to achieve best practice across the Fund Operations Team

Experience & Personal Attributes

5-10 years of relevant ORSO or pension funds operations experience
Strong understanding of pension administration, legislation, laws and regulations
Strong understanding of all accounting concepts (i.e. Accounting standards) and reporting issues, including unit pricing
Knowledgeable in area of fund administration including transfer agency
Demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of business wide processes, actively working with these areas to improve processes
Proactive with problem solving and analytical skills with organised and methodical approach to work undertaken
Must be able to make objective assessment of findings, with recommendations on way forward if appropriate
Demonstrate an ability to discuss day-to-day processes with clients or other internal department managers
Continuous improvement in the efficiency of departmental process and procedures
Ability to work with limited supervision, tight deadlines and under pressure
Sound computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc) and General Ledger knowledge (PeopleSoft preferred)
Knowledge of aaspire or similar administration system highly regarded