Index Analyst Sandton

Duties & Responsibilities Results Delivery Play a leading role in drawing up a team business plan for complex tasks as well as plans for longer periods (1 year and 3 year). Identify weaknesses in all existing index processes, including data, operational and analytic processes. Provide specialist guidance to staff who need to escalate issues of complexity and assist with the work of the more junior roles if required. Build an independent opinion on client and broader market needs, problems, opportunities, and possibilities for implementation by acting on this opinion (e.g. recommends approaches which are new and different from those requested by the clients) contributing to the sustained relevance of the index service from the JSE. Stakeholder Relationship Management Build strategic JSE/Industry/Global network of thought leaders and relationships, attending and presenting at conferences and training interventions. Effectively communicate and educate clients at all levels (phone calls, emails, and client visits on expressing index related concepts; interpreting and resolving index queries) on index rules and their application to understand specific index changes and interpret and explain index source data and its derivation. Maintain a positive relationship with clients by managing conflictive situations diplomatically, but firmly; strive for client satisfaction without compromising standards; maintain clear communication with clients regarding mutual expectations; monitor client satisfaction; take personal responsibility for correcting customer-service problems; correct problems promptly and assertively; make self fully available, especially when a client is going through a critical period; answer specific queries from clients by applying analytical techniques to data to produce meaningful views. Ensure good vendor relationships by interacting and collaborating with third-party data suppliers and partners (such as FTSE and other internal divisions) in a proficient manner. Process Management Ensure the FTSE/JSE End of Day Process is completed accurately by ensuring that all relevant end of day files from FTSE are received; verifying the structure and completeness of all received files; checking that all pre-agreed index changes are applied correctly. Perform the valuations of all JSE-administrated indices (e.g. JSE Commodities Indices and JSE Money Market Index) by validating input data, calculating the index metrics, and testing the reasonability of the result. Verify end of day data products. Have a professional understanding of all Bond Market operational processes to be able to drive resolutions in the event of process failure. Determine and implement corrective action when any aspect of the Bond Market processes does not function correctly by identifying where and in which step it failed, the cause of the failure and how to remedy it. Ensure that timelines are adhered to by abiding by Bond Market processes SLA times contracted with clients. Ensure the continuous accuracy of index inputs and published index metrics in protection of JSE reputation by conducting calculations independently. Ensure that the data and information overseen by the team meets the measure of reasonableness and is finely checked post production and distribution focusing on timelines and data quality standards to ensure that clients base decisions on accurate information and JSE client service is maintained at a high level. Analyse data discrepancies by understanding the various data inputs and their interactions as well as the necessary formulas and identify and take necessary steps to resolve issues. Drive out process optimisation and enhancement, with the emphasis on providing improved results at a lower cost, reducing the risk of failure or enhancing sustainability. Maintain an in-depth understanding of the Index landscape, including knowledge of index users’ business, products and services offered by global index providers and local competitors to provide clients with resolutions and advice. Understand the importance of accurate indices to the capital markets. Maintain this knowledge through continuous self-learning and interaction with market participants. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the JSE index rules by knowing which rules to apply in specific situations and taking decisions on the specific application of these rules. This requires interpretation of the applicable rules, referencing historic treatment and precedent set in the past, as well as a detailed understanding of the practical impact of index changes on clients and their investment products. Independently perform the free float review for JSE listed companies by analysing the shareholders of each company, measuring that against a set of rules and drawing inferences to determine the free float. Identify upcoming corporate actions and determine the appropriate impact on the indices, within the relevant timeline of that corporate action, by referencing the index rules, previous precedent and making the necessary inferences. Play a meaningful and leading role in the Index Rebalance by collecting and verifying data; calculating various inputs for the review; determining which changes are necessary, based on the data, rules and calculations; preparation and verification of the relevant public output documentation for accuracy; ensure that the rebalance changes are applied correctly. Take responsibility for the end-to-end index rebalancing process by ensuring that individual tasks are admitted and correct by supervising and mentoring junior colleagues. Provide direction and training to junior colleagues by advising on problem resolution and other questions they might have. Create insightful research papers by producing research outputs that meet independent Advisory Committee standards and meet identified market needs by researching elements of index methodology or new indices to contribute to the ongoing development of new indices (research includes collecting input data; interpreting and analysing data collected; formulating recommendations or conclusions; preparing research papers). Identify opportunities to refine existing products and develop innovative new index products to improve quality and range of data products to clients while being cost-effective and sustainable. Contribute to implementation of product developments by creating development plans a year or more in advance. Assist with the division of divisional action plans into smaller, allocable tasks that can be measured and tracked for allocation of sub-tasks to junior colleagues with set target dates. Demonstrate professional conduct, concern for customers and a sense of urgency in dealing with them and ensure that client queries are resolved timeously, accurately and comprehensively. Take responsibility and have a complete view of the JSE structure to ensure queries are escalated to the correct person or department, if necessary. Assist junior staff in the resolution of queries they are handling by reviewing their responses or answering specific questions they may have. Independently present an overview of index related information to groups of people or clients, by preparing appropriate visual aids, presenting material and responding to questions. Take a leading role in routine client meetings by ensuring that client needs are met. Provide data to the media within the parameters of JSE policies. Be aware of the framework and scope within which questions from the media can be answered. Assist in the preparation of brochures and marketing material by providing content and quality assurance to ensure clients are kept up to date with new index developments. Provide input and content to website layout and structure to ensure that clients get correct information in the right format. Self-Management Improve personal capability and professional growth relating to field of expertise, in line with JSE objectives by discussing development needs and proposed solutions with management. Keep abreast of changes in legislation or standards by conducting research and utilising networks. Up skill team and other professionals by sharing knowledge and research results. Epitomise living the JSE values, displaying professional conduct and adherence to required technical standards. Transformation and Innovation Contribution Analyse, research, develop and implement improvement/innovative ideas and value-adding solutions contributing to divisional and JSE results. Desired Experience & Qualification BCom in Econometrics, Economy of Mathematics, Finance, Investments. Honours in Mathematics, Investments, Finance, Financial Modelling, Econometrics. 3 years in financial markets. Knowledge and Skills required Intermediate software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Internet, Email). Divisional service offerings. Business continuity standard. Business principles. Data analysis. Decision-making process. Challenging the status quo with a view to improving the environment or people's understanding. Giving presentations. Identifying trends. Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with peers/subordinates/managers. Adapting behaviour to meet major changes at work. Adapting to a major organisational change. Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Evaluating resource allocation. Networking and building relationships. Communicating complex information orally. Completing a project with constraints. Conducting a needs analysis. Developing multiple creative solutions. Providing professional advice/opinion. Research. #J-18808-Ljbffr