The Role
As a Settlements Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the timely and accurate processing and settling of financial transactions by liaising with clients, brokers, and internal stakeholders. Your primary responsibility will be to follow up outstanding items and documents, ensuring that all necessary information is collected to loans are only settled once all required conditions precedent have been satisfied. You will be a key contributor to the settlement process, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for all parties involved. You will work with stakeholders to find solutions to complex problems to ensure settlement times are met whilst not compromising on risk management.
Key Responsibilities
Document Management
Proactively follow up with clients/solicitors and brokers to obtain outstanding documents and conditions precedent required for settlement.
Ensure all required documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted within specified timeframes.
Maintain and update records of outstanding items, tracking progress to ensure timely resolution.
Communication & Coordination
Act as the primary point of contact for clients/ solicitors and brokers, providing clear and consistent updates on the status of their transactions.
Liaise with internal teams (e.g., sales, credit, operations, finance) to expedite the settlement process and resolve any issues.
Escalate complex cases to the Settlements Manager or relevant department when necessary.
Process Management
Review and verify the accuracy of all documents before submission to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with the settlements team to ensure that all conditions precedent to settlement are met.
Identify and address any potential delays in the settlement process, taking proactive measures to mitigate risks.
Client Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and brokers, providing excellent customer service throughout the settlement process.
Handle client and broker inquiries promptly and professionally, resolving issues to their satisfaction.
Work with internal and external customers to solve problems for all stakeholders
Reporting & Compliance
Prepare regular reports on outstanding items, forecasting and settlement progress, providing insights and recommendations for process improvements.
Ensure all activities comply with industry regulations, company policies, and procedures.
Ensure that risks are managed to within appetite and governance processes are followed at all times.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- A degree or diploma in finance, business administration, or a related field is preferred but not essential.
- Proven experience in settlements, banking, finance, or a related field.
- Experience working with clients and brokers, preferably in a financial services environment.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with internal and external clients. and brokers.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in document handling and data entry.
- Problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
