External Provider Oversight - Associate

About this role

Want to use your unique background to make an impact on the clients we service in a culture that thrives on quality, innovation, collaboration and accountability? Look no further! At BlackRock, we are seeking a Transfer Agency Services Associate who is curious, collaborative, analytical, and passionate to become part of our team! We recognize that strength comes from diversity, and will value your rare skills, inquisitiveness, and passion while giving you the opportunity to grow professionally and as an individual.

Team Overview

Transfer Agency Services (TAS) is a global team and is part of Global Accounting and Product Services (GAAPS) within Business Operations and Technology. This group is responsible for Institutional and Commingled fund accounting, Fund Board management, Portfolio & Regulatory Compliance, Transfer Agent and operational infrastructure oversight for BlackRock's commingled funds (registered and unregistered). In addition, the teams also support Latin America Business Operations, strategic fund conversions, vendor oversight and product lifecycle events .

We are responsible for the management and oversight of outsourced operations carried out by the appointed Transfer Agencies for BlackRock fund ranges domiciled in EMEA including Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Products (ETFs).

We require this role to cover other responsibilities within Transfer Agency Oversight as directed from time to time.

Role Responsibility

• Responsible for daily relationship with BlackRock’s Third Party Transfer Agents (TA).
• Investigate and resolve day to day operational queries, issues and incidents across the entire range of services provided by the TAs.
• Responsible for Cashflow Dashboard monitoring for pooled funds, and ensuring Portfolio Managers receive timely and accurate cash flow information
• Conduct root cause analysis for operational problem and ensuring appropriate remedial steps are clearly defined and assigned to mitigate risks.
• Proactively analyse trends in errors and issues to find opportunities for process improvement at either the Provider or BlackRock.
• Prepare and maintain procedures, processes and controls between BlackRock and its administrators.
• Along with the TA, co-ordinate the planning for KYC refresh exercises, ensuring plans are clear
• Support regular KYC refresh exercises by overseeing TA activity, liaising as appropriate, with internal BLK client teams
• Provide regular status reports for BLK stakeholders on KYC refresh progress, proactively highlighting areas of challenge
• Participate in periodic reviews and updates to the operating model/service level documentation.
• Responsibility for monitoring the performance of the service provider
• Completion of oversight checks on specific activities at the TA to ensure compliance with agreed service levels.
• Monitoring of ongoing performance levels and validation against agreed key performance indicators to ensure service standards are maintained and improved.
• Conduct annual due diligence visits on providers issuing formal findings documents as appropriate.
• Active participation in business and regulatory-driven projects as an SME representing TA Services.
• Provide constructive input to ongoing due diligence of the Transfer Agents.
• Assisting management and senior leaders with any ad hoc / project work

Competencies

• An innovator who actively seeks to generate ideas that deliver scale, commercial benefits, client service, or control improvements.
• Excellent communicator with strong influencing skills together with an ability to build and maintain relationships both internally and externally.
• Experience of working in a team environment and build positive relationships with colleagues and both internal and external contacts
• Analytical thinker with a proactive approach to resolving issues – identify what needs to be done, take action and see through to resolution
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work within tight deadlines

Experience

• 3+ years Transfer Agency or TA Oversight experience
• Experience or knowledge of non-UK funds and Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) products would be an advantage
• Operational knowledge of the AML/KYC processes and the applicability to Transfer Agency operations would be an advantage
• Strongly proficient on standard software (e.g. Microsoft Office)
• Understanding of risks and controls within a financial services environment
• Experience of working with external providers
• Relationship and/or project management experience would be advantageous

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.