Julia Sung
Investment Administrator
BNP Paribas Securities Services
Tell me about what you do?
Our department focuses primarily on monthly reporting for Segregated/Pension funds. There are 6 teams within the department, each looking after various clients and depending on the type of service the client requires, we perform different types of month end reporting.
During the month, I am involved in checking the integrity of the data processed on our systems to ensure the information to be reported is correct. As a result of this, I have to contact various teams within the business to resolve any issues that arise. Once we have extracted the data for month end reporting, we are given deadlines to work towards, ensuring that the information reported is accurate and is reconciled.
What attracted you to a career in Investment Operations?
Having completed a degree in Accounting and Finance, I ventured into an accountancy related role but after a while, I felt that I wanted to pursue a career within the finance sector.
I was very keen to develop some experience in the financial markets and although the role is not linked directly to trading, it gives an insight into how businesses deal with the “behind-the-scenes” aspects of trading.
I always believed that most of the finance roles were based in London and was very surprised when I saw the opportunity to get into the industry with a company based in Glasgow.
Tell me how you have developed in your job(s)?
I didn’t have the necessary job experience when I applied but my Manager recognised this and shortly after I started, I was sent on the SIO 7-day course to introduce me to Investment Operations.
From there, it has been a matter of on-the-job training. Online courses are available for everyone and the company are currently supporting me to do my IAQ qualification.
Personally, the first year was a big learning curve for me especially not coming from a financial services work background. By having frequent contact with various teams, that in itself has taught me a lot about the business and its functions, as well as developing my interpersonal skills.
Currently, I am involved with a project which will take me to the USA, where I will assist with training. The job has been taken to a different level and this is definitely another learning curve for me.
What would you say to other people considering a career in Investment Operations?
If you have drive and ambition, there is a wealth of opportunity and with the growth of Investment Operations in Scotland, this is even more prevalent.
In my case, there wasn’t a requirement for experience – as long as I could demonstrate the appropriate skill sets and knowledge base, the company helped to fulfil my further training needs.