Trader & Back Office Specialist 

Trader & Back Office Specialist

Location : Hybrid - Toronto

Empire life is looking to hire a Trader & Back Office Specialist to join our Empire Life Investments team!

The Trader & Back Office Specialist is responsible for trading in Canadian, US and Global markets in all investable equity instruments including derivatives, execute equity and option trades as required by portfolio managers and maintain all trading related functions with both external and internal partners.

In addition to trading, the successful candidate will be responsible for trading related back office and operations tasks.

The incumbent is guided by defined goals and objectives and works under the general supervision of the Chief Investment Officer.

Why pursue this opportunity

• Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.
• The opportunity - collaborate with cross-functional teams and work on a variety of projects that will keep you engaged and continuously learning.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion - we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and welcome candidates who share this commitment.

What you’ll be working on

Trading Responsibilities :

• Effectively execute equity and derivative trades in all Global markets
• Build and maintain relationships with sell side traders and other service providers
• Maintain understanding of market dynamics and drivers of markets
• Communicate relevant market related information to portfolio managers
• Ensure accuracy of executed trades and appropriate allocation by fund
• Provide support to the PMs as required for trading related issues
• Maintain and update a broker commission voting system and record
• Generate and distribute periodic broker commissions reports to Investment team
• Generate portfolio trades based on asset allocation decisions
• Liaise with other departments to ensure operational efficiencies
• Some oversight responsibilities relating to the compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and investment policy guidelines and processes
• Keep current with industry and regulatory issues and changes affecting Equity markets

Back office operations & system testing and development :

• Reconcile trades and positions with counterparties, ensuring accuracy in trade capture, settlement, and clearing processes.
• Manage and resolve discrepancies in trade execution and settlement processes.
• Oversee and ensure the accuracy of daily, weekly, and monthly reports related to trading activities and positions.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure proper accounting of trading activities.
• Regularly conduct system testing to verify the operational integrity of electronic trading platforms.
• Analyze and troubleshoot any system discrepancies or failures within software, ensuring swift resolution of issues.
• Provide input and feedback for system enhancements, work with developers and IT staff to improve system functionality.
• Execute and document the end-to-end testing process of trading applications, including but not limited to : integration testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and performance testing.
• Liaise with external system providers or support teams for issue resolution and enhancement rollout.
• Participate in the rollout of new systems, ensuring smooth integration with existing operations and minimal disruption to trading activities.

What we’re looking for you to have

• Undergraduate university degree
• 5+ years work experience in trading within the financial services industry
• CFA considered an asset
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively under time pressure in demanding environments
• Proficient with Bloomberg, Excel, Liquidnet and Eze OMS, Portia
• Proficient with DMA access like Liquidnet and RBC Direct; algo
• Knowledge of Global Equity markets structure
• Experience trading listed options and / or other derivatives considered an asset
• If you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.

Beyond the salary

For regular full-time positions, Empire Life offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes :

• Competitive salaries with annual pay increases
• Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non sales positions
• A comprehensive employer-funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account
• Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
• Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
• A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
• Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
• Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs
• A cash employee referral program

To learn more about working at Empire Life, visit https : / / www.empire.ca / workatempire .

Get to know us

Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process.

We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined.

Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process.

If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact [email protected]