Client Services Center Associate

SMBC Group is a leading global financial institution with a rich 400-year history. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, it provides a wide range of services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. With over 130 offices and 80,000 employees globally, SMBC is one of Japan’s top three banking groups, listed on multiple stock exchanges, including the NYSE.

In the Americas, SMBC operates across several countries including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. It offers commercial and investment banking services to corporate, institutional, and municipal clients, connecting them to global markets and leveraging its extensive relationships in Asia. SMBC's operating companies in the Americas include various subsidiaries such as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., and more.

Role Overview:

SMBC is hiring an Associate for its Investigations Department in the Client Services Center, located in Jersey City, NJ (Harborside). The candidate will be responsible for handling inquiries from customers and financial institutions, ensuring timely resolution using the Sungard Investigations system, Montran Payment System, and Microsoft Outlook Email Database.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervision & Workflow Management: Oversee daily operations to ensure that work objectives align with Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Policy Compliance: Ensure adherence to SMBC’s policies and procedures while meeting customer needs efficiently.
• Complex Issue Resolution: Address escalated customer issues that are critical or complex in nature.
• Audit Compliance: Respond to internal and external audit requests.
• Transaction Closing: Confirm the proper completion and recording of end-of-day close-out transactions.
• Ad-hoc Projects: Support ad-hoc projects as needed.
• Disaster Recovery: Participate in disaster recovery exercises to ensure smooth operational recovery after disruptions.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: At least 5 years in back-office operations in financial services.
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Advanced knowledge of accounting procedures and money transfer processes.
  • Expertise in transactional systems like CHIPS, Swift, and Fedwire networks.
  • In-depth understanding of bank compliance regulations (e.g., UCC, OFAC, AML).
• Skills:
  • Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and time management.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to manage complex problems and respond quickly to uncertainty.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and work cross-functionally.

Additional Requirements:

• SMBC offers a Hybrid Workforce Model, allowing employees to work both from home and the office, depending on the role.
• Location: Applicants must live within a reasonable commuting distance to the office location.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $73,000 - $115,000, with potential for discretionary incentive awards.
• Benefits: SMBC provides a competitive benefits package, including healthcare, wellness programs, retirement plans, and more.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in financial operations and compliance to join a reputable global organization with a commitment to diversity and employee development.