Manager – Reconciliations Control & Governance
Role Purpose
The Manager – Reconciliations Control & Governance is responsible for strengthening the control environment, governance framework, and operational integrity of reconciliation processes across multi-entity, multi-currency financial/Treasury operations.
The role will focus on ensuring reconciliations are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable regulatory requirements, including FCA client asset (CASS) and global safeguarding frameworks including DFSA, ASIC, FMA and other. It will play a key role in reducing operational risk, improving consistency, and enhancing transparency across end-to-end reconciliation processes.
Key Responsibilities
Reconciliation Control & Oversight
- Own and maintain the end-to-end reconciliation control framework across bank accounts, client money, broker positions and payment flows
- Perform and oversee complex reconciliations involving:
- High-volume payment transactions, Multi-currency FX settlements and conversions, Inter company and client asset movements and reconcile cash and positions with the Brokers/Liquidity Providers
- Ensure timely completion of reconciliations in line with regulatory (CASS/Safeguarding) and strict internal timelines
- Establish and enhance matching logic and exception management processes
- Generate and distribute daily MI confirming completion of the daily internal and external Safeguarding reconciliations to the Safeguarding Committee including up keep and reporting of Key Risk Indicators.
- Perform/Oversee regulatory returns of client assets across the Group entities
- Lead/Assist reconciliations and Treasury payment automation projects across the firm
- Close collaboration with Treasury/Operations on cash management aspects and ensure Safeguarding accounts and Treasury movements are executed in a timely manner
- Responsible for drafting policies and procedures for the areas responsible.
- Oversees Annual Client Asset audits
Break Identification & Resolution
- Lead investigation and resolution of reconciliation breaks across banking, payments, brokers, and internal ledger systems
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement preventative controls to reduce recurring issues
- Work closely with cross-functional teams (Finance, Treasury, Payments, Operations, Technology) to resolve discrepancies
- Ensure clear tracking, documentation, and closure of all exceptions
Regulatory & Client Asset Protection
- Ensure reconciliation processes align with FCA CASS requirements and relevant global safeguarding regulations
- Support the safeguarding of client funds through robust reconciliation and control processes
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and evidence for reconciliation activities
- Partner with Risk, Compliance, and Audit teams to demonstrate control effectiveness
Control Framework & Process Standardisation
- Define and implement standardised reconciliation processes across regions and systems
- Strengthen governance, control checkpoints, and escalation frameworks
- Identify control gaps, inefficiencies, and dependency risks in existing processes
- Drive continuous improvement and automation initiatives in collaboration with Technology teams
Governance, Oversight & Escalation
- Provide independent oversight of reconciliation output quality and control effectiveness
- Act as a key escalation point for control breaks, process failures, and capacity risks
- Establish clear ownership and accountability across reconciliation processes
- Provide regular updates on reconciliation status, risks, and control issues to senior stakeholders
Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with Finance, Treasury, Payments Operations, Risk, and Technology teams
- Support internal and external audits related to reconciliations and client asset safeguarding
- Influence stakeholders to drive consistent and robust control practices
Team Leadership
- Manage and develop a small team of reconciliation analysts/specialists
- Provide coaching and oversight on complex reconciliation activities
- Ensure consistent application of control standards and best practices across team outputs
- Build capability within the team to handle high-complexity scenarios
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong experience in bank reconciliations, financial control, or payments operations within a regulated financial services environment
- Prior experience of using automated bank reconciliations tools like: Autorek, Grath or similar
- Deep understanding of complex transaction environments, including:
- Multi-currency / FX flows, High-volume payment systems, broker recs, Client money / safeguarded funds
- Knowledge of FCA CASS rules and/or equivalent global client asset protection frameworks
- Proven experience in investigating and resolving complex reconciliation breaks
- Strong understanding of control frameworks, governance, and audit requirements
- Experience working across Finance, Treasury, Operations, and Technology functions
- Prior experience managing or mentoring small teams
Key Competencies
- Strong control mindset and attention to detail
- Experience in implementing hub & spokes model of operations
- Structured problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Ability to operate effectively in time-sensitive, high-pressure environments
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Calm, execution-focused leadership style
- Ability to introduce structure and clarity in complex environments
Reporting Line
- Reports to: Group Head of Safeguarding, Risk & Treasury (UK)
- Works closely with: Regional Finance, Treasury, Payments Operations, Risk & Compliance teams