Trust Operations Specialist - Trade Support

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description - Trust Operations Specialist - Trade Support

Company Profile:

Argent Financial Group (Argent) is a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm responsible for more than $165 billion in client assets. Argent provides individuals, families, businesses, and institutions with a broad range of wealth management services, including trusts and estate planning, investment management, ESOPs, retirement plan consulting, funeral and cemetery trusts, charitable organization administration, oil and gas (mineral) management, and other specialized financial services. Headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent was founded in 1990 and traces its roots to 1930.

Department Profile:

The Trust Operations Specialist – Trade Support is a dynamic, team-based role within Argent’s Operations Department. The Operations Department supports the full range of services provided to Argent’s clients, including account transfers, asset movement, client deposit and disbursement processing, fund accounting, mail processing, and reconciliation of client and DDA accounts. The department maintains daily interaction with internal personnel and external financial institutions.

Job Summary :

The Trade Support Specialist is responsible for the daily reconciliation and settlement of trades with Argent’s global depositories. This role serves as a key liaison among trading desks, custodians, external counterparties, and internal operations teams, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of trades while efficiently resolving discrepancies as they arise. The Trade Support Specialist is also responsible for managing and mitigating risks associated with trade settlement to ensure smooth and secure transactions. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of trade lifecycle management, custody operations, and financial market dynamics, and will contribute to the smooth execution of trades and a culture of operational excellence.

Job Specifics: Trade Support:

• Review and process daily trade orders and mutual fund trade files in an accurate and timely manner.
• Perform trade affirmation processing for outside money managers.
• Provide trade support to internal portfolio managers and external counterparties as needed.
• Perform trade order entry with Argent’s global depositories, including foreign trade settlements.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of trade breaks, failed trades, and settlement issues, escalating as appropriate.
• Prepare monthly reconciliation and fail reports for management review.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and audit trails of all trade activity, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and applicable regulations.
• Assist with routine internal and external audits by providing documentation and supporting materials for activities within scope.
• Crosstrain on additional functions within the Trade Support Team to support operational continuity and flexibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail with solid analytical, research, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of financial securities markets, investment products, and trade settlement processes preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Familiarity with trade lifecycle management, custody operations, or global depository systems is a plus.

Credentials and Experience:

• College degree in business related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in the financial services industry, preferably in trade operations, custody, or a related back-office function.
• Basic accounting knowledge, including an understanding of debits and credits.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.