Symmetry Partners - Trading Operations Analyst

This role is responsible for the accurate and timely execution of trades and the end-to-end processing of cash needs requests. The analyst ensures the integrity of the firm's trading platform and proactively monitors portfolios to maintain alignment with investment models.

In addition to trading duties, this position is responsible for funds processing functions-activities required to move money in and out of accounts. This includes processing deposits, contributions, distributions, wires, ACH transfers, and check handling; reconciling transactions against custodial records; ensuring regulatory compliance; and maintaining detailed records for audit purposes. The individual will work closely with custodians, advisors, and internal teams to apply best practices, provide exceptional service, and continuously improve processes within the department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily Trade Processing and Cashiering
  • Receive, analyze, and process trade requests for mutual funds, equities, and fixed income securities.
  • Coordinate money movement requests at custodians, including contributions, distributions, transfers, and third-party wires.
  • Execute trades for model changes and daily account rebalancing.
  • Process cashiering activities such as check deposits, ACH setups, systematic withdrawals, and settlement processing.
  • Verbally confirm all third-party wires and first-time ACH requests with advisors before processing.
  • Investigate and process trade corrections, maintaining complete transaction records.
  • Reconcile cash and transaction activity with custodial records and resolve discrepancies.
  • Monitor custodian alerts for asset transfers, money failures, insufficient cash, and other critical notifications, creating and tracking internal cases for follow-up.

• Platform Monitoring
  • Monitor trading platform dashboards for portfolio exceptions, including high/low cash positions, portfolios out of tolerance, and accounts pending review prior to funding.
  • Check sleeve accounts daily for misallocated assets, negative balances, and reconciliation discrepancies.
  • Verify reconciliation completion before trading begins each day.
  • Identify accounts with systematic distributions requiring trades.
  • Monitor cash deficits and initiate trades to raise or invest cash appropriately.
  • Maintain accuracy of model allocations and conduct mass rebalances in response to updates.
  • Responsible for implementing model updates across various trading platforms, ensuring portfolios are accurately aligned with the latest investment guidance, and rebalancing accounts when necessary.

• Operational Support & Platform Maintenance
  • Maintain platform integrity by managing trade holds, trade desk notes, and CRM updates.
  • Perform asset transfers between models when required.
  • Provide phone queue coverage for trading and money movement inquiries.
  • Resolve not-in-good-order (NIGO) items promptly and professionally.
  • Participate in weekly team check-ins to review trading activity, fund processing, and operational priorities.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to improve workflows, enhance system processes, and uphold operational best practices.
  • Perform any other duties reasonably related to the responsibilities described above.

Minimum Competencies & Qualities:

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in financial services, specifically in trading, investment operations, or portfolio administration.
  • Strong knowledge of financial instruments, including mutual funds, equities, and fixed income.
  • Hands-on experience with trading platforms and custodian portals for trade execution and money movement.
  • Familiarity with portfolio rebalancing, model changes, and systematic trading workflows.
  • Understanding of cashiering processes including reconciliation, settlement, and custodial alerts.
  • High attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to interpret and apply compliance, operational, and trading policies in decision-making.

• Key Attributes
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify root causes and recommend solutions.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities.
  • Excellent communication skills for collaborating with advisors, custodians, and internal teams.
  • Highly motivated with strong ownership and follow-through.
  • Enthusiasm for developing expertise in trading systems, investment models, and portfolio implementation.
  • Proactive in addressing portfolio exceptions, operational risks, and process improvements.
  • Adaptable to evolving market conditions, technology enhancements, and internal process changes.
  • Team-oriented with a collaborative work style and willingness to assist colleagues as needed.