CASS Accountant - Global Private Banking Group - Up to £80,000 - £85,000BonusBenefits - London with hybrid working

Job Description

Profile Criteria:

1. Fully-Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with a solid foundation of post-qualification experience
2. Either training from a Big 4 (or Top 10) audit practice focusing on regulatory compliance or someone who has CASS experience from industry
3. Knowledge of CASS (in particular CASS 6 and CASS 7); someone who really understands CASS (through doing CASS audits in practice or CASS reporting in industry) – Very important
4. Ownership mentality of their area/work – Must be comfortable doing a basic posting or reconciliation one moment and in another moment, presenting to the senior executive commit
5. Good understanding of implementing strong controls around CASS
6. Someone with a genuine interest and desire to grow their skills, experience and career
7. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Role Purpose:To provide timely and accurate submission of required CASS returns and ensure over-the-horizon knowledge of requirementsDeputise for the UK FD on regulatory matters and representing the regulatory reporting functions at relevant meetings.Responsibilities:

• Monitoring, reconciling, and reporting on client money and assets held by the bank, as well as maintaining accurate records and implementing internal controls
• Maintenance of CASS risk register, including associated procedures
• Timely and accurate CASS and credit reporting; including CMAR, MLAR, PSD
• Timely and accurate completion of required daily and periodic CASS internal, external and physical reconciliations
• Liaison with Head Officeoperations and finance on CASS related matters
• Maintenance of reporting timetable and reporting of compliance with submissions
• Timely escalation of CASS or related matters or issues to Finance Director

Additional tasks:

• Ensure adherence to CASS rules and regulations, as outlined by the Bank of England (PRA), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Develop and implement internal controls and procedures to ensure compliance with CASS requirements.
• Regularly review and update existing CASS policies and procedures, incorporating any regulatory changes or best practices.
• Update and maintain the bank’s strategic risk matrix for CASS matters etc.
• Ensure effective liaison with Head Office colleagues, including for training purposes
• Perform daily, monthly, and periodic reconciliations of client money and assets held by the bank, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies or variances in a timely manner, collaborating with internal stakeholders such as operations, treasury, and front-office teams and Head Officecolleagues.
• Monitor and analyse cash movements, client fund transfers, and related transactions to identify any potential issues or risks.
• Provide guidance and training to relevant stakeholders, including front-office staff, operations teams, and other business units, to enhance their understanding of CASS rules and requirements.
• Stay up-to-date with industry developments, regulatory changes, and best practices related to client money and asset protection, and disseminate relevant information to the team, including Head Officecolleagues
• Completion of required technical training for self and required additional staff
• General and ongoing enhancement and development of regulatory related controls, processes and procedures
• Provide and receive cross-training with the Regulatory Reporting Accountant to enable effective and timely substitution as required

Experience, Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Strong regulatory reporting technical knowledge and experience as an SME
• Experience of developing and leading regulatory controls and processes
• Detailed knowledge of CASS rules and regulations
• Experience in a CASS-specific role within a financial institution
• Experience of CASS audit work in an accounting firm required, where knowledge and experience of best practice across multiple firms has been obtained
• Understanding of financial products, client money handling, and asset segregation requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient in financial reconciliation processes and working with large datasets.
• General familiarity with relevant accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, UK GAAP) and reporting requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.