The Associate is responsible for completing complex operational tasks across equivalent middle and back office functions that directly interface with Banking origination, Portfolio management, Procurement and Treasury teams. They also act as a central point of ‘subject matter expertise’ (SME) across the product range managed by the team, building out procedural and control requirements as well as mentoring/training junior team members.
Day-to-day, the team(s) core responsibilities include the management of payee onboarding journey, as well as ensuring the timely funding and execution of the Bank’s payments in global markets. This involves managing a diverse range of products and ensuring the proper settlement of EBRD’s transactions.
The individual will also interact with other functions involved in end-to-end processes, including (but is not limited to) Risk, Office of General Counsel (OGC) and broader Corporate Services teams.
The individual will be expected to adopt a continuous improvement mindset, helping improve operational processes across the OSM function. In particular, they will be part of a broader SME group that is expected to document procedures and processes with a view to building out the longer term capability of the OSM function.
The function is responsible for the accurate acquisition, verification, and maintenance of Payee’s data in the Bank’s systems as well as ensuring appropriate funding and settlement of the Bank’s transactions. Responsible for the overall governance and oversight of Payment processes across the Bank the function facilitates measurement of key risks and the application of limits and control of parties throughout their payment lifecycle.
The role interacts with a wide cross section of both internal departments and external parties to ensure the Bank’s transactions are settled in an accurate and timely manner ensuring risks are identified and mitigated through the product lifecycle as per the Bank’s risk appetite. They will also represent their Operations’ team in meetings as required.
The role holder will need to deliver successful operational outcomes by interacting with staff across a variety of functions and across varying levels of seniority. The Bank is undertaking various improvement initiatives and seeking to automate (where possible) various processes. Candidates will need to embrace these philosophies and play a role in ensuring we collectively deliver operational improvements and efficiencies.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
Operational Performance:
Execute complex operational processes across a range of activities in equivalent middle and back office support functions that facilitate payment oversight and execution activities
Demonstrate personnel commitment to delivering outstanding operational performance by adhering to established operational metrics – timeliness, quality and customer satisfaction
Responds to operational queries in a prompt and timely manner
Communicate with relevant departments on projects (or related transactional activity) to ensure that the decision-makers are aware of the risks involved
When required provide support and training to the team in the delivery of their tasks
Operational Standards, Risk, Control & Governance:
Provide SME knowledge across EBRD Banking products with a view to building out a procedure/process library, acting as the ‘go to’ person for product and process related queries
Be a part of a culture where team members are responsible for the quality of their output, ensuring adherence to established quality/assurance targets
Help drive the broader improvement of OSMs control environment by supporting the movement towards future state processes
Ensure that new processes and practices are delivered in line with quality standards, applicable policies and relevant legislation. Where necessary, identifying shortfalls in standards and help lead any required remediation activity
Responsible for developing best practice guidelines and, to the extent possible, driving a degree of standardisation across operational processes
Train newly hired colleagues, provide on-the-job mentoring and supervise their work to ensure high standards of work practices and objectives are met
Develop an expertise in products, processes and/or procedures and lead interdepartmental special projects aimed at the facilitation of cooperation, exchange of information and harmonisation of internal policies and procedures.
Where necessary, deliver educational material across wider teams (within and outside of OSM)
Continuous Improvement:
Be a ‘team player’ in a team/department responsible for creating a ‘best in class’ operational function
Support the identification and implementation effort associated with driving improved efficiencies in OSM with a view to enhancing the overall service experience – timeliness, quality, engagement etc.
Demonstrate self-awareness of personal and broader operational metrics, identifying opportunities to improve (either personally or collectively)
Service Management & Third Party Management:
In delivering day-to-day operational activity, conform to established service levels and standards
Where necessary, work in a collaborative manner with other colleagues/teams involved in a hybrid service model
Stakeholder Management:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to facilitate operational outcomes that adhere to established service levels
Positively influences others to help deliver a sustainable operations function
Proactively works with the Business to identify and manage backlogs, guiding them on prioritisation and, where necessary, conveying wider operational constraints
Be an ambassador for OSM across other departments by delivering outstanding operational outcomes
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications :
University educated, or equivalent work experience
Excellent understanding/experience of treasury, banking and other products transacted by EBRD, enabling the candidate to confidently dissect more unusual or complex operational challenges related to the Banks products and transactions
Appreciation of the impact of Payment Operations functions with other key departments
Experience with SAP, Swift, BACS, Summit systems considered advantageous
Strong customer service orientation
Strong team player, attention to detail, strong analytical skills with the ability to organise, multi task and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines
Experience with building out operational procedures
Experience of being part of a team that has transformed itself utilising continuous improvement techniques would be considered beneficial
Ability to proactively identify opportunities for improved customer outcomes
Experience of working in a team that utilises operational metrics to effectively manage operational teams
Excellent written and verbal communication in English required, knowledge of another language would also be considered beneficial
Experience with training and an appreciation of what ‘good’ training looks like – helping deliver a future training approach across OSM
Ability to communicate complex financial and risk concepts to senior management acting as a ‘subject matter expert’ in their area of expertise.
Strong appreciation of the core components of developing a risk based control environment
Sufficient credibility to advise and influence peers across the organisation, helping mitigate banking/operational risks
Must have positive, collaborative and solution orientated attitude
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong computer skills (Microsoft outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Comprehensive understanding of Banking Operations and Account Payable/Treasury payment processes
Excellent understanding of payee onboarding/verification process
Familiarity with payment systems (SWIFT/BACS) and associated screening and sanction understanding would be considered beneficial
Understanding of Treasury requirements when funding the Banks products
Experience of cash reconciliation and ability to resolve issues arising from non-settlement of transactions
Sound knowledge of the Bank’s policies, procedures and mandate as well as an understanding of the political, economic and social climate of the Bank’s countries of operation.
