Head of CASS

Job Description

Are you curious, motivated, and forward-thinking At FIS youll have the opportunity to work on some of the most challenging and relevant issues in financial services and technology. Our talented people empower us, and we believe in being part of a teamthat is open, collaborative, entrepreneurial, passionate and above all fun.About the role:The primary function of the Head of CASS is to oversee the firms reconciliation processes (custody assets & client money) and provide overarching support for the firms compliance with CASS by ensuring other CASS related activities / responsibilities arebeing appropriately managed.What you will be doing:

• Supporting the firms compliance with the relevant CASS rules in the FCA handbook, including but not limited to:
  • Ensure compliant custody asset and client money reconciliations.
  • Ensure break management processes and escalations are in line with the firms risk appetite. Regular communication with all operational departments with the monitoring and tracking of client and market open item positions.
  • CASS breach management from initial discovery and review through to closure and ensuring delivery of remediation activity.
  • Oversee the due diligence process for all counterparties within the CASS footprint.
  • Maintenance of the CASS resolution pack, work with other operational areas to ensure accuracy and completeness at all times.
  • CASS Committee - support the production of the papers for the monthly governance meeting ensuring duties can be discharged appropriately given the quality and informative nature of the CASS papers.
  • Production of the firms CMAR on a monthly basis ensuring accuracy, completeness and validity of all information provided.
  • Ensure timely update to all CASS policies with the appropriate approvals documented.
  • Oversee the updates and accuracy of the CASS mapping framework ensuring that all controls are appropriately captured and documented.
  • Keep up to date with industry changes from a CASS compliance perspective.
  • Management of the annual CASS audit ensuring the timely provision of information to the audit team and support of management responses to auditor / firm identified breaches within the audit opinion.
  • Support the business with closure of any control deficiencies identified by internal / external audit teams.
  • Management of the annual audit assurance work.
  • Ensure all CASS processes are mapped and documented accordingly, creation and maintenance of CASS footprint documentation.
  • Input into projects ensuring CASS compliance is considered at each stage and provide challenge on existing processes to ensure these are being carried out compliantly.
  • Support CASS training where necessary across the business.
• Maintain the first line of compliance defence by ensuring individual adherence to business processes and procedures that are designed to meet the regulatory standards set out in the relevant FCA rules and guidance
• Treat clients fairly at all times
• Maintain the first line of defence by operating risk controls assigned to the teams under your leadership.
• Use the training and competence scheme to maintain the appropriate knowledge, skills and expertise to carry out the role competently
• Adhere to company policies and procedures are all time including but not limited to; Code of Code, Information security, human resource policies and compliance policies and procedures
• Enhance financial controls and drive process improvements where necessary.
• Oversee the daily review of all Figaro Balance Sheet balances and ensure that they are in line, investigate and report variances to relevant teams to solve including: Reconciling suspense accounts and providing audit trail; Production of Management Informationon open items/issues
• Ensure data for department Month End reporting is collated and completed in a timely manner to agreed service levels
• Act as an escalation point of contact for team members / managers in relation to complex queries and be the SME for CASS related queries.
• Selects, trains, develops and leads an effective team building a world class CASS operation.

What you bring:

• Educated to at least Degree Level or equivalent in a financial, numerical, business or technical discipline.
• Experience of the different functions within the operational areas within a Wealth Management firm and their interdependencies.
• Significant experience of working in a CASS team with a detailed understanding of the CASS rules and their practical application.
• Detailed knowledge of reconciliations and exceptions management.
• Good understanding of the life cycle of a trade & of industry rules and regulations.
• Experience of Microsoft Office or similar applications.
• A thorough understanding of other operational areas procedures and processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent problem solving, team and time management skills managing multiple deadlines for self and others.
• Works under minimal supervision on complex projects

What we offer you:

• A multifaceted job with a high degree of responsibility and a broad spectrum of opportunities
• A broad range of professional education and personal development possibilities - FIS is your final career step!
• A competitive salary and company benefits.
• The chance to work on some of the most challenging, relevant issues in financial services & technology.
• A work environment built on collaboration, flexibility and respect.