What Might a Day Look Like in This Job?

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager with over $4.7 trillion in assets under management. A truly global firm, BlackRock manages assets for clients in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. The firm employs more than 12,000 talented professionals and maintains offices across 6 continents. Our client base includes corporate, public, union and industry pension plans; governments; insurance companies; third-party mutual funds; endowments; foundations; charities; corporations; official institutions; sovereign wealth funds; banks; financial professionals; and individuals worldwide.We’ve created world-class capabilities around our clients’ greatest needs, with a comprehensive range of products and services across asset classes, geographies and investment strategies. Our roots are deep in every region around the world, with some 120 investment teams in 30 countries sharing their best thinking in order to seek better returns.

BlackRock is now running its second intake of the Trainee Programme under the Investment 2020 initiative; which was created by 17 investment management firms with UK based offices to make the industry more accessible to school leavers and recent graduates. We will be offering successful candidates a paid position for a 12 month period, subject to a mid-term review. As a Trainee you will be placed in one of our teams for the duration of your contract, which will enable you to gain a more detailed appreciation of your business area. You will gain first hand insight into the Asset Management industry whilst making a tangible contribution to the success of the organization. The Trainee Programme is designed to equip Trainees with the necessary skills to secure a permanent opportunity either within BlackRock or elsewhere in the industry.

What might a day look like in this job?

The Net Asset Value (NAV) and Performance team is responsible for NAV calculation and Performance Measurement for a large number of client accounts. Candidates would be expected to work with our subject matter experts to become familiar with our reporting process, to take part in team discussions and manage an allocation of client work to produce valuation statements and performance returns.

Job Purpose/Background:

• Conduct calculation and analysis of portfolio, net asset value (NAV) and investment performance;
• Liaise with internal groups such as Portfolio Managers, Relationship Managers, Operations and Technology;
• Active participation in departmental/group projects as required.

Key Responsibilities:

►Conduct portfolio valuations, performance calculation and analysis; calculation of NAV using appropriate accounting systems for institutional separate accounts;

►Become familiar with investment products such as Equity, Bonds, Cash and Property.

►Work with team to review and enhance procedures and controls

►Prepare and provide reconciliation to custodian banks and accounting agents to resolve NAV/performance discrepancies;

►Assess new accounts and assist in ensuring correct system set up.

►Prepare, review and provide ad-hoc reports to clients or custodian/accounting agents as necessary;

Work environment: You will be based at our Edinburgh City Centre office, working with a supportive team, as a key member of the Client Operations Team.

What Qualifications/ Qualities are required?

Whilst strong academics are important; Standard Grades 1-3 and ideally a minimum of 3 Highers (or equivalent) grades A-C, we are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic candidate, who is willing to learn and has the ability to work as part of a team. You must have good organisation, communication and time management skills, experience of working to deadlines and good knowledge of Word and Excel Microsoft programmes.

Your ability to be able to demonstrate some of the above skills in previous experiences, whether at work, volunteering, at school or in other situations would be beneficial.

What will I learn?

You will receive a rich professional experience and a broad exposure to many other parts of the investment process. You will have exposure to several personal and product training opportunities; including the opportunity to gain a Foundation Level qualification with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) and will have access to 4 CPD events. You will have the chance to develop in a fast moving environment, with the flexibility to move and gain exposure within BlackRock.

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