Investor Services & Intermediary Oversight Associate

abrdn•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Investor Services & Intermediary Oversight Associate supports a high-quality investor and intermediary experience across Aberdeen's U.S. product range, including mutual funds, ETFs and separately managed accounts. The role oversees third-party transfer agents, financial intermediaries, investor servicing providers and intermediary compensation arrangements, helping ensure services are effective and operate within an appropriate control environment. Working with Distribution, Product, Compliance, Legal and Operations teams, the Associate serves as an operational partner to resolve servicing matters, support intermediary and platform relationships, enable new business opportunities, and implement product and operating model changes. The position also supports oversight governance, operational due diligence, issue resolution, controls, reporting and process improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience within asset management, mutual fund operations, ETF operations, transfer agency, intermediary operations, fund administration or a related financial services function.
FINRA Series 7 and Series 63 licenses are required; candidates who do not currently hold them must successfully obtain both within 90 days of commencing employment.
Strong understanding of the operational lifecycle of U.S. registered investment products.
Experience working with transfer agents, financial intermediaries, broker-dealers, distribution platforms or other financial services providers.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research issues, evaluate information and drive matters through resolution.
Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated risk and control mindset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external business partners.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills and comfort working with operational data.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of U.S. mutual fund distribution and shareholder servicing arrangements.
Experience with DTCC/NSCC processes and related industry infrastructure.
Knowledge of financial intermediary compensation, including 12b-1, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency and revenue-sharing arrangements.
Experience with financial intermediary oversight, operational due diligence and outsourced service-provider governance.
Experience supporting mutual funds, ETFs and/or separately managed accounts, including launches or other significant product events.
Familiarity with operational risk management, control assessment and issue remediation.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day oversight of third-party transfer agents and other investor servicing providers supporting Aberdeen's U.S. wealth management business.
Monitor service delivery, operational performance, controls, incidents and outstanding issues; coordinate resolution and escalation as appropriate.
Participate in service provider governance, due diligence and periodic oversight reviews.
Serve as an operational point of contact between Aberdeen, its transfer agents and internal business partners.
Support the financial intermediary oversight program through operational due diligence, ongoing monitoring and reviews of intermediary servicing activities and control environments.
Support onboarding and maintenance of intermediary, broker-dealer and platform relationships, including changes to existing arrangements.
Coordinate operational requirements associated with intermediary selling and servicing agreements.
Research and coordinate resolution of intermediary servicing and control issues, escalating matters requiring management attention.
Support oversight and validation of financial intermediary compensation arrangements, including 12b-1, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, administrative servicing and revenue-sharing arrangements, as applicable.
Provide operational guidance to Wealth Management Distribution on intermediary requirements, servicing arrangements and product capabilities.
Complete operational components of client and intermediary questionnaires, due diligence reviews and other information requests.
Partner with internal teams and external providers to develop practical solutions to new or evolving distribution requirements.
Develop and maintain working knowledge of Aberdeen's U.S. product structures, including mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs and separately managed accounts.
Coordinate operational readiness throughout the product lifecycle, including new products, product changes, mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, conversions, liquidations and operating model changes.
Maintain working knowledge of relevant industry infrastructure and distribution platforms, including DTCC/NSCC and other applicable market utilities.
Monitor operational issues and exceptions, supporting root-cause analysis, remediation and timely escalation.
Maintain appropriate procedures, controls and operational documentation.
Develop and maintain management information and reporting for service provider and intermediary oversight.
Identify opportunities to simplify, automate and strengthen Investor Services processes.
Support initiatives involving regulatory change, technology enhancements and operating model improvements.
Contribute to materials and reporting provided to Fund Boards and other governance forums.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision plans with telehealth and health concierge services.
Health, dependent and commuter flexible spending plans.
Employer-provided life insurance, critical illness insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage, with optional additional coverage.
401(k) retirement savings plan with company profit-sharing contribution that is immediately vested.
Generous time off starting day one, with 4+ weeks annual vacation and 9 paid holidays.
Paid parental, adoption, and family sick/caregiver leave programs.
Volunteer days and study time.
Charitable donation matching up to $500 per year.
Employee assistance, travel and discount programs.
Flexible voluntary benefits, including accident insurance, identity protection and legal assistance.
Wellness program, including nutritional counselling and gym membership reimbursements.