Investment Portfolio Operations Officer

The Investment Portfolio Operations Officer is primarily responsible for directly supporting senior management in the continued oversight and management of the Bank’s investment securities portfolio and corporate treasury functions. This person performs ongoing research, due diligence, and ad-hoc reporting in support of portfolio maintenance functions and trade operations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide trading and operational support with respect to reporting and document management functions.
• Maintain good punctuality and attendance to work.
• Assist with processing, tracking, settling, and reporting on investment portfolio transactions.
• Develop an understanding of trade functions, policies, procedural requirements specific to the Bank.
• Regularly exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of essential job functions.
• Support the investment team in providing research and analysis needed to support new and ongoing investment positions that align with Bank OZK policies, practices, and procedures.
• Maintain strong service orientation while communicating in a timely, consistent, and professional manner with internal/external parties to effectively manage expectations.
• Perform research and due diligence in support of credit and overall risk assessments associated with municipal and/or corporate bond issuances (including, but not limited to reviewing issuer financial statements, bond indentures, filings, disclosures, ratings reports), mortgage-backed securities, and accurately communicating research results in support of underwriting fixed income investment opportunities, and in providing for the ongoing review of existing investment portfolio securities holdings.
• Maintain approved broker/dealer list and verify receipt and review of annual broker financials and relationships.
• Follow all Bank policy, procedures, and guidelines.
• Support internal teams in monitoring designated portions of the investment portfolio to ensure the accuracy and integrity of trade execution.
• Work closely with internal departments to develop, prepare, reconcile, and modify recurring and ad-hoc reports outlining the activity and performance of designated portions of the investment portfolio for various reporting and meeting purposes.
• Compile and prepare information associated with investment security transaction reports.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Skill in using relevant software tools, such as API, SQL and Excel macros.
• Knowledge of basic financial statement and credit analysis concepts and/or tools.
• Knowledge of fixed income portfolio management, trading operations and associated risk metrics.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, work flexibly and adapt as a team member.
• Knowledge of financial concepts to analyze complex financial data, industry knowledge, and existing economic conditions and to interpret results and present findings.
• Ability to read and summarize financial disclosures, such as bond indentures.
• Ability to understand clearing processes and trading workflows.
• Ability to produce accurate written research in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and changing priorities, as well as an ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with defined deadlines, while delivering complete and accurate work.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to problem-solve, analyze, and research while exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of all essential job functions.
• Ability to demonstrate effective organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to self-start, prioritize, multi-task and execute highly detailed tasks with exacting deadlines.
• Ability to articulate the strengths, weaknesses and issues related to a transaction, in both written and oral presentations.
• Skill in using computer, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Bloomberg, and the ability to learn various systems as necessary.
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of economic and financial concepts as they relate to and impact capital markets, particularly with regard to the municipal, corporate and/or mortgage markets.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate analytical, logistical, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to identify problems as they arise and understand when these need to be escalated.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately while under general supervision.
• Ability to deliver results and respond quickly and effectively to requests.

Equipment Used in Job Performance/Working Environment:

• Multifunction device
• Computer
• Telephone
• Bloomberg Terminal (Preferable, not required)

Major Job Demands (Physical/Mental):

• Problem-solving
• Decision-making

Position Requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in banking or investment management industry, ratings agency risk assessment, or other significant asset management business, required.
• Experience with credit/fixed income research or products is a plus, and within a trading support function is preferred.
• Prior experience with software systems, including working knowledge of tools such as API, SQL, Excel Macros, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business, or commensurate work experience, required.