NICO Asset Managers
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing and managing all back office and operational processes supporting both the Wholesale and Retail Asset Management Business. The role is critical in ensuring accurate, timely and efficient processing of transactions, reconciliations.
SECONDARY PURPOSES
The ideal candidate will also be responsible for enhancing internal controls and conducting routine control checks in line with regulatory requirements, internal policies and service level expectations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Align operational processes to NAML’s strategic goals
- Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer to ensure alignment between operational records, general ledger postings and financial reporting
- Oversee NAM operations model and systems, including portfolio management systems, CRM, and workflow tools.
- Lead system enhancements to support scaling— digital onboarding, secure data sharing, diaspora onboarding tools, and offshore transaction processing
- Strengthen controls to safeguard client funds, reduce operational risk, and ensure business continuity.
- Maintain an operational dashboard for management reporting, including inflows, outflows, errors, turnaround times, and pending items.
- Improve efficiencies by driving automation, workflow redesign, system optimization, and reduced manual interventions.
- Ensure a vibrant and relevant operating system is in place to support the customer service delivery and internal business reporting
- Represent Operations in ALCO, Investment Committee, Risk Committee, and departmental strategy meetings.
- Oversee the execution and settlement of trades across equities, Treasury instruments, corporate bonds, commercial paper, fixed deposits and offshore instruments
- Coordinate with Portfolio Managers to ensure accurate capture of investment decisions on the investment operating system.
- Manage reconciliation processes with Brokers, Custodians and banks
- Oversee receipt, verification, and allocation of inflows from individual, pension funds and institutional clients
- Ensure timely and controlled processing of withdrawals, redemptions, maturity, offshore remittances, and inter-account transfers.
- Maintain strong controls on signatories, dual approvals, payment limits, and bank reconciliations.
- Ensure strict adherence to investment mandates for occupational pensions, HNIs and segregated mandates
- Performing and overseeing daily, weekly and monthly reconciliations of fixed deposits, investment accounts, nominees and custody records.
- Serve as the first-line owner of operational risk across all operational activities
- Lead, develop, and structure the Operations function to ensure clear accountability, segregation of duties, and adequate capacity.
- Own and maintain NAMs operational resilience and business continuity framework.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a related field
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g. ACCA, CPA, CFA, or equivalent) will be an added advantage.
- Minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in a busy operations, finance or investment administration within an asset management, banking or financial services environment.
- Proven experience in managing investment operations, reconciliations and back-office processes.
- Strong understanding of asset management products, wholesale and retail investment structures, and nominees’ operations.
- Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder management experience at a senior level.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligible employees are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to vacancy@nicoassetmanagers.com by 20th February 2026.