Johannesburg: Middle Office Analyst posted by Rory Mackie & Associates

Overview:

Our client, a well-established hedge fund manager, with a long history of delivering excellent returns, is seeking a Middle Office Analyst to join their team. The Middle Office Analyst sits between front office (investment/trading) and back office (valuation/finance), ensuring trades are accurately processed, risks are monitored, and reporting is reliable. The role will be a key control across trade lifecycle management, P&L validation, risk oversight, and operational integrity across the investment platform.

Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management System (PMS) & Trade Lifecycle Support

• Validation of trade and allocations across equities, fixed income, derivatives and FX
• Ensure integrity and accuracy of the PMS and prime broking systems
• Monitor trades through settlement and resolve lifecycle breaks by liaising with brokers, PBs, custodians, and traders to resolve discrepancies and settlement issues
• Ensure borrow is in place for trades where required
• Maintain, review and update pre and post trade compliance rules

Fund Cash Management

• Monitor and maintain sufficient cash balances at PBs to facilitate timely settlement
• Instruct and coordinate cash and FX transfers between custodians and PBs
• Manage Liquidity across Money Market accounts to ensure optimal funding
• Reconcile Money Market balances to Portfolio Management system

P&L & Reporting

• Support price verification and valuation process
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies with front office and brokers
• Help prepare internal reports on exposures, performance and operational metrics

Risk, Controls & Reconciliations

• Perform & review daily trade reconciliations
• Monitor compliance reports and escalate potential breaches
• Maintain a strong operational control environment
• Ensure urgent matters and exceptions are resolved promptly
• Assist with month-end and regulatory reporting requirements
• Ensure awareness of fund mandates, permitted instruments, and investment limits to support effective trade oversight, compliance monitoring, and operational control processors

Corporate Actions & Proxy Voting

• Process and monitor corporate action events including dividends, stock splits, rights issues, mergers, and tender offers for portfolio holdings
• Ensure corporate actions are correctly reflected across systems and service providers
• Liaise with custodians, brokers, and administrators regarding elections and entitlements
• Assist in monitoring and coordinating proxy voting processes

Fixed Income, Derivatives & Data Exposure

• Gain exposure to fixed income instruments, derivatives, and related operational workflows
• Assist in understanding P&L drivers, valuations, and trade lifecycle mechanics
• Support automation and efficiency initiatives through reporting enhancements and process improvement
• Gain exposure to data automation tools and AI-driven workflows within middle office

Requirements:

• Com degree with majors in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or similar
• 25 years relevant experience preferred
• Strong academic track record
• Progress toward professional qualifications (CFA, FRM) advantageous

Competencies And Personal Characteristics:

• Adaptable and energetic, thriving in dynamic environments with shifting priorities
• Capable of working under pressure, meeting internal and regulatory deadlines with poise
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Empathetic and approachable demeanour towards clients
• Client-centric mindset with a professional appearance
• Diligent and accountable, maintaining rigor in meeting deliverables
• Demonstrates ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks
• Self-motivated team player with meticulous attention to detail
• Able to manage and prioritise tasks effectively within a demanding team environment