CASS Specialist

Our client is looking for a CASS Specialist to support a financial technology investment service company. Our client provide business and technology process outsourcing services and provide end to end front and back-office operations support.

Ideal candidates will have strong CASS knowledge, in particular CASS 6, 7 and 8. The role holder will be key in delivering both departmental and individual targets within appointed timescales and to the highest standards. Application of technical knowledge to the department’s operation and innovative, solution-based thinking will be a key aspect of the role.

Responsibilities:

• Support the design and implementation of a first line CASS oversight function within operations
• Support operations in delivering strategic goals for process improvement relating to CASS, including - scalability, efficiency, operational control/regulatory adherence, client experience, oversight
• Support the business on CASS technical query escalations
• Coach key individuals and lead CASS training sessions (ranging from induction to Board)
• Take a prominent role in the planning and liaison of both internal and external audits
• Preparation and delivery of CASS adherence reports/opinion to the Executive Team and the Board
• Liaise with and advise the relevant teams on their regulatory CASS activities such as reconciliations, cash management, deposit allocations
• Undertake trend analysis on breaches and near misses, providing guidance and suggesting process revision where appropriate
• Achieve and actively maintain skills and knowledge to adhere to the training and competence standards, undertake overseer activities as nominated
• Work closely with the 2nd line risk and compliance function in management changes to the CASS regulatory environment
• Complete weekly, monthly and annual review of CASS breach log and risk profiling, including reviews of CASS risk appetite and RAG ratings
• Provide CASS SME support as required to change programme and propositional change
• Produce and maintain CASS policies / frameworks as required.
• Conduct periodic rule mapping exercise to ensure our position remains relevant and up to date
• Ownership and maintenance of CASS Control Matrix, including monthly attestations and sample testing
• Feed into CMAR submission and any escalations arising
• Awareness of annual Unbreakable Term Deposit (UTD) liquidity levels and perform monthly monitoring
• Complete sign off for Minimum Trade Cycle (MTC) funding requirements 2 x daily
• Lead a small team of staff
• Undertake initial due diligence on new banking or custodial partners and complete ongoing annual due diligence reviews as required
• You will, from time to time, be required to undertake other activities that fall within your capabilities as directed by management

Essential Skills:

• Strong CASS knowledge, in particular CASS 6,7 and 8
• In depth financial services experience with strength in the understanding of a wrap platform
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ownership and accountability
• Excellent drive with ability to work unsupervised under own initiative
• Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines
• A proactive and innovative approach to problem solving, including persuasion and influencing skills.
• PC literate, in particular MS Office Products

Desirable Skills:

• Degree education or equivalent or higher
• Experience in a similar CASS oversight role
• CASS CISI qualification, Investment Management Certificate (IMC), Operations Certificate (IOC) or equivalent industry recognised qualification