Role: Trading Operations Analyst
Location: Chicago
We are seeking a Trading Operations Analyst to join our quantitative hedge
fund. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the firm's trading
activities, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of trades, and maintaining
accurate records and reporting. You will work closely with the portfolio
management, trading, and compliance teams to optimize trading workflows and
mitigate operational risks. The analyst will collect, analyze, and present
data on portfolio risk and performance using Python and other analytical tools
Key Responsibilities
- Collect and organize data on portfolio positions, trades, and market data
- Analyze portfolio risk using statistical methods and risk models
- Calculate performance metrics such as returns, volatility, drawdowns, and risk-adjusted returns
- Develop and maintain Python scripts and notebooks for data processing and analysis using libraries like NumPy and Pandas
- Manage the daily trade lifecycle, including order entry, allocation, confirmation, and settlement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for brokers and counterparties, ensuring timely and accurate trade processing
- Reconcile trading activity, positions, and cash balances with prime brokers, custodians, and fund administrators
- Assist with the implementation and testing of new trading systems and tools
- Collaborate with the compliance team to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies
- Provide support for corporate actions, such as dividends, mergers, and spin-offs
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce operational risk
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, statistics or a related field.
- Knowledge of financial markets, instruments, and quantitative investment strategies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in SQL and relational databases for data extraction and manipulation
- Familiarity with risk management concepts and performance attribution
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in a trading operations or middle office role at a hedge fund, investment bank, or asset management firm
- Experience with financial data APIs and databases
- Familiarity with version control systems like Git and cloud computing platforms
- Proficient in using trading and portfolio management systems, such as Bloomberg, Eze OMS, or Charles River
- Strong programming skills in Python and experience with data analysis libraries like NumPy and Pandas
The base salary for this role is anticipated to be between $100,000 and
$300,000 USD, which is based on information at the time of posting. This
position may also be eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as a
discretionary bonus, and benefits. Discretionary bonus can be a significant
portion of total compensation. Actual compensation for successful candidates
will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their
unique skills, qualifications and relevant experience.
Benefits:
- Benefits: Fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, competitive 401k plan, employer-paid life & disability insurance
- Perks: Wellness programs, casual dress, snacks, lunch, game room, team and company events
- Development: Open environment to maximize learning and knowledge sharing
- Time: Generous PTO, paid holidays, competitive paid caregiver leaves
Aquatic Capital
Aquatic is a quantitative trading and investment company recently launched by
Jon Graham. Prior to founding Aquatic, Jon was a Partner and Senior Managing
Director at Citadel, where he worked for more than 13 years. At Citadel, Jon
held numerous senior positions over the years, including head of Statistical
Arbitrage and Equity High Frequency, culminating in leading the highly
successful Global Quantitative Strategies business.
Aquatic develops systematic investment strategies, enabled by a leading-edge
research and development platform. The vision is simple: to build a world
class, quantitative trading company with a collaborative team of highly
capable researchers and engineers.
This role represents a unique opportunity to join a quantitative investment
manager at the foundational level of building a world class operation from
scratch. The firm’s culture will be shaped by collaboration, meritocracy,
ambition, and calm determination.
Aquatic is a proud equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate based
upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an
individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected
characteristics.