What is the Middle Office - Client Services group responsible for?

The Middle Office - Client Services team serves as a critical link between Portfolio Management, Trading, Operations, and external custodians to support the daily management of client portfolios. This team is responsible for monitoring cash activity, facilitating cash movements, resolving operational issues, and ensuring accurate cash reporting across a broad range of fixed income investment strategies.

Working in a fast-paced environment, the team partners with internal stakeholders and external service providers to help ensure the smooth execution of day-to-day investment operations while delivering a high level of service to both internal and external clients.

What are the ongoing responsibilities of a Middle Office - Client Services Associate?

• Perform daily cash reconciliations for fixed income portfolios using information received from external custodians.
• Monitor daily cash balances and communicate projected cash positions to Portfolio Managers and Fixed Income Traders.
• Coordinate cash movements while ensuring timely communication with internal teams and external counterparties.
• Investigate and resolve cash breaks, reconciliation discrepancies, and other operational exceptions.
• Serve as a liaison between Trading, Portfolio Management, Investment Operations, and external custodians to resolve outstanding issues.
• Support trade settlement activities and ensure accurate processing of cash-related transactions.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal business partners and external service providers to ensure timely issue resolution.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and assist with special projects designed to enhance operational efficiency.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment while meeting daily deadlines and maintaining a high level of accuracy.

What qualifications, skills, and experience would help someone succeed in this role?

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in investment operations, middle office, cash management, client services, or a related financial services environment.
• Working knowledge of fixed income products, including Treasuries, Corporate Bonds, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Emerging Markets Debt Municipal Securities, and High Yield securities Money Market Securities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build relationships across multiple business groups.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with investment accounting or portfolio management platforms such as InvestOne or SmartStream.
• Familiarity with Bloomberg, Alladin, and custody bank platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience supporting institutional investment management or fixed income portfolios.

Compensation Range: Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards-monetary and non-monetary - designed to support their well-being and recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a range of competitive healthcare options, insurance, and disability benefits, employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain education expenses, paid time off (vacation / holidays / sick / leave / parental & caregiving leave / bereavement / volunteering / floating holidays) and a motivational wellbeing program. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $95,000-$112,000 depending on location and level of relevant experience, plus discretionary bonus.

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Highlights of our benefits include:

- Paid Time Off: Three weeks of PTO in your first year

- Health Coverage: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance to support your well-being

- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with an 85% company match on pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to IRS limits

- Equity & Investing: Employee Stock Investment Plan (ESIP) with discounted share purchase opportunities

- Learning Education Assistance Program (LEAP): To support your ongoing growth and career advancement

- Employee Investment Benefits: Opportunity to purchase company funds with no sales charge