Securities Settlement Specialist

Baird•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Baird is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical associate with a strong understanding of financial markets and operational processes to support its Federal Settlement Team. The role oversees and reconciles timely trade settlement, identifies discrepancies, and works with internal teams and external partners to support accurate and efficient financial operations. The position is based at Baird’s global headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, four days per week, with one day of work-from-home flexibility. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The specialist provides service to internal and external clients, supports regulatory and policy expertise, analyzes data to monitor process efficiency and integrity, and helps resolve complex process, branch, and error issues. The role also contributes to workflow improvements, firmwide and Operations initiatives, policy development, and project requirements and testing. Specific settlement duties include clearing Federal Reserve-eligible securities trades at the Bank of New York; resolving settlement exceptions with Trading Departments, broker/dealers, and institutions; monitoring institutional customer Reg-T and Rule 15c3-3 requirements and filing extensions as needed; monitoring market, counterparty, and liquidity risks; and managing clearing fund obligations and margin requirements. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Strong experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Visio.
Advanced analytical skills and ability to perform complex problem solving.
Ability to handle multiple assignments, work under pressure and within deadlines, and produce accurate, high-quality results.
Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks under strict deadlines.
Passion for providing high-value client service.
Ability to work independently and effectively relate to others to accomplish work responsibilities and objectives.
Diverse understanding of operational procedures and processes.
High motivation, desire to learn, and ability to think creatively in a demanding environment.
SIE and Series 99 within 120 days if the role processes cash or security movements.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of related experience in a financial services operations role.
SIE and Series 7 if the role does not process cash or security movements.
Knowledge of DTC and/or Bank of New York Fed clearance platforms.

Responsibilities

Provide high-value service to internal and external clients while supporting Baird’s culture and Operations mission and values.
Serve as a subject matter expert on regulations, policies, and end-to-end processes.
Use data analysis to monitor process efficiency and identify data-integrity exceptions.
Assist with complex process issues, branch issue resolution, and error resolution.
Identify and contribute to productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness improvements that support client service and risk mitigation.
Interface with Baird business units to support firmwide and Operations initiatives.
Apply knowledge of markets, products, processes, regulations, and systems to meet business objectives.
Partner with Corporate Resource Group teams to develop and implement policies that satisfy regulatory obligations.
Promote teamwork through collaboration, mentoring, and contributing to associate development.
Participate on project teams, developing requirements and conducting testing through workflow analysis and use cases.
Clear Federal Reserve-eligible securities trades at the Bank of New York.
Resolve settlement exceptions in communication with Trading Departments, counterparty broker/dealers, and institutions.
Monitor institutional customer Reg-T and Rule 15c3-3 requirements and file extensions as needed.
Monitor market and counterparty risk.
Monitor liquidity needs for daily settlement activity.
Monitor clearing fund obligations and take timely action to maintain margin requirements.
Perform other duties as required.