Service Management Lead Specialist

**Who we’re looking for**

The Schroders Accounting Control Service Management team works alongside the Accounting Control Process Management team. The core function of the process management team is the validation of data held on the Aladdin Accounting ABoR (Accounting Book of Record) for onward generation of client valuation reporting and performance calculation. The service management team provides centralised support for a range of value add tasks and extended service for specific client requirements.

As a lead specialist, you will be able to handle the most complex queries received by the team, be responsible for the relationship with key clients and be a point of reference for the team. You will also be required to represent the team when required.

You will thrive in a fast-paced environment with an emphasis on meeting tight deadlines. A strong interest in learning and harnessing technology will help you with your role in the organisation. In addition, you will be someone who can act as a mentor and escalation point for the team’s more junior members and support them on a daily basis.

**What you’ll do**
- Responsible for undertaking the following Accounting Control Service Management team tasks:

- Ensuring correct accounting methodology information is provided and applied as part of the onboarding process within agreed SLAs. This includes the configuration of Aladdin, VRS and Performance architecture and covers both the new client onboarding process and re-structures of existing client mandates
- Ensuring correct accounting methodology is provided and applied as part of the new instrument set up process within agreed SLAs
- Ensuring that focus is given to ‘sensitive’ clients and undertaking any specific accounting service offerings associated with them
- Ensuring production of detailed change requests for any required BAU / Non Core projects impacting the team
- Ensuring timely and accurate information is provided as part of RFP requests
- Ensuring timely and accurate reconciliation of Schroders accounting records to third parties where required by our clients
- Ensuring timely resolution to complex queries received from external teams
- Responsible for providing appropriate Accounting Control representation in relevant platform change groups
- Responsible for ensuring business controls are implemented and adhered to
- Responsible for ensuring continual review and improvement to operational systems and workflow, including:

- Identification of training opportunities
- Utilisation of new tools and technologies to automate sub-optimal processes & tasks
- Responsible for escalating issues to the manager and Global Head of Service Management that fall outside agreed service standards where appropriate
- Responsible for building and developing good working relationships between the Accounting Control Service Management team and its internal/external clients and suppliers
- Responsible for liaison with other Schroders teams and external parties in undertaking the above
- Use initiative to develop effective and constructive solutions for escalated issues

**The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need**
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Good client awareness and relationship management skills
- Proactive problem solving skills and a good attention to detail
- Strong prioritisation and organisational skills
- Ability to prioritise own work
- Desire to learn and develop
- PC skills including MS Excel and MS Word
- Experience in the Securities or Fund Management industry
- Previous experience in portfolio accounting required
- Attained Training and Competency level appropriate for role (e.g. IAQ professional qualifications)

**What you’ll be like**
- An expert in your field and a strong mentor to the team’s Specialists
- Good at analysing and solving problems with a strong handle on operational risk
- Effective in managing your own time with ability to prioritise tasks and delegate appropriately
- Open to feedback, receptive to change, challenges status quo and continually looks out for team and self improvement opportunities
- Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
- A strong team player able to develop and manage strong working relationships with global internal departments and external counterparties
- Able to adapt to changes quickly and be an advocator of an innovative culture within the team