Trading Operations Associate

About the Role

As a Trading Operations Associate in the Home Lending Secondary Trading team, you support the daily operations that enable timely trade processing, settlement, reporting, and strong system controls. You work closely with trading and business partners to validate data, resolve issues quickly, and continuously improve processes and documentation so the team can operate with confidence and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily trading operations, including trade entry, validation, reconciliation, pricing updates, end-of-day profit and loss reporting, and file exports
• Monitor the monthly allocation schedule and execute tasks on time in line with the settlement calendar
• Perform regulatory trade reporting, including Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (FINRA TRACE) reporting, and confirm reporting requirements are met
• Verify accurate processing and settlement of trades across trading, settlement, and loan origination systems
• Maintain system settings and reference data under trader direction and within established controls
• Validate data and reconcile key records to identify breaks, processing issues, and potential errors
• Investigate exceptions, determine root causes, and escalate issues with clear, timely communication
• Create ad hoc reporting and produce clear operating procedures and supporting documentation
• Participate in user acceptance testing for platform enhancements, new tools, and product changes
• Partner with traders and internal stakeholders to drive timely resolution and effective operational support

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Knowledge of mortgage banking and secondary market concepts, including trading terminology and processes
• Understanding of agency contracts and delivery requirements
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using database tools (e.g., Microsoft Access or comparable applications)
• Ability to review large datasets, identify exceptions, and perform structured reconciliations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work with appropriate independence and escalation
• Experience supporting or participating in user acceptance testing activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a trading desk operations function in fixed income or mortgage markets
• Experience with automation or scripting to improve operational workflows (e.g., Visual Basic for Applications)
• Familiarity with basic web markup (e.g., HTML) or HTML editing tools
• Demonstrated strength in process documentation and control-minded execution
• Experience partnering closely with front-office teams to resolve time-sensitive issues