Operations Specialist – Broker DealerLocation: Irvine, CA | Reports to: Director of Operations | Status: Full-Time, Exempt | In-office (Remote may be considered)

COMPANY PROFILE:The Operations Specialist will join the team at the securities industry’s oldest diversity-certified broker-dealer that is owned and operated by service-disabled veterans (SDV). Our core competencies include securities sales and trading (equities, options, fixed income, FX), investment banking and underwriting services for primary debt and equity capital market transactions. Our mission is to preserve and protect the interests of those that we serve. We leave no client behind.

THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:We are seeking a detail-oriented Operations Specialist to join our firm. This role will report directly to the Director of Operations and be responsible for ensuring seamless trade processing, account maintenance, regulatory compliance, and various operations-related functions. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong operations background and a passion for the financial services industry to contribute to a dynamic and growing organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the efficient processing of securities trades, including equities, fixed income, options, and foreign exchange, by accurately capturing and confirming trade details and instructions
• FX – Upload FX trades and reconcile with clearing firms
• Equity – Upload equity trades and reconcile with clearing firms
• Options – Upload trade activity and reconcile with clearing firms
• Fixed Income – Upload fixed income trades and reconcile with clearing firms
• Allocate trades and address any discrepancies
• Report to accounting – monthly confirmations, trade blotters, reconciliations
• Coordinate trade settlement activities with clearing agents and counterparties to ensure timely and accurate settlement of transactions in accordance with industry regulations and best practices
• Provide exceptional service to clients by promptly addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and proactively communicating updates related to trade execution and account activity
• Prepare filings and review regulatory reports such as TRACE, MSRB, CAT, CAIS, and other required filings. Stay updated on industry regulations and ensure the operations department adheres to FINRA, SEC, and other standards
• Provide support for various operational functions, including data analysis, reporting, and margin activities. Collaborate with internal teams and external parties to resolve operational issues and discrepancies
• Identify areas for operational efficiency and implement improvements. Participate in special projects aimed at enhancing operational workflows and reducing risks

Potential Additional Responsibilities:

• Manage client accounts, including onboarding, updates, and closures. Ensure all account activities comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations
• Establish and monitor counterparty credit limits
• Maintain records of soft dollar and CSA amounts for clients. Reconcile with clients and/or aggregators. Work with the Accounting Dept to coordinate payments

BACKGROUND PROFILE:

Required Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or a related field
• Preferred, not required, FINRA licenses SIE, 7, 63
• Series 99 (Operations Professional) may be required
• Minimum of 5 years experience within the broker-dealer industry or financial services sector
• Proficiency in:
• Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP)
• MS Word, Outlook
• Access and SQL
• Experience with SQL and/or Python for data analysis
• Bloomberg TOMS
• Newport/Instinet
• Clearing broker platforms
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to respond promptly, organize tasks, manage time, and prioritize requests
• Attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment