Investment operations
When a bank or fund manager buys or sells stocks, bonds or other financial instruments it is only the beginning of the process – numerous other functions take place before and after the sale to ensure that money and assets change hands efficiently around the world. Investment operations companies or departments are responsible for the smooth running of this process.
The advent of outsourcing means that fund managers (who previously performed all operations in the investment process in house) now outsource their investment operations functions to other companies that specialise in that part of the business – leading to the emergence of major investment operations firms in the US and Europe, many with offices in Scotland employing hundreds of staff.
Types of graduate jobs in investment operations
Key roles in the area include: trade settlement, investment and fund accounting, performance measurement, risk management and client reporting among others. Each role is a specialised position requiring specific knowledge and in many cases completion of professional exams.
'There are opportunities to travel and work abroad, salaries compare well to other industries and standard working hours make it easy to achieve a good work/life balance.'
Starting out in investment operations
Unlike some other areas of finance, the investment operations industry does not typically run graduate recruitment programmes. Instead, applicants will apply for skilled job opportunities that are available all year round. New starters will usually enter as an analyst or equivalent and learn the business from the ground up before moving on. Competition can be fierce for jobs and career advancement.
Most positions will be office based but many will require communication with colleagues or clients in other countries. There are some opportunities to travel and work abroad. New starters must be able to work as part of a team but they should also be able to work effectively on their own and to tight deadlines. In return, salaries compare well to other industries and working hours are typically from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm making it easy to achieve a good work/life balance.
Skills for graduate investment operations jobs
Core skills are just as important as qualifications in this area. Graduates need to have strong communication skills, a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, good time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines. Numeracy is also important, as is the desire to learn. Recruiters are looking for people who can demonstrate an interest in the industry and who are keen to build a long-term career in investment operations.
