Brokerage Operations Associate I - ACATS

About the role

This role focuses on the daily processing of incoming and outgoing ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service) within established industry timelines. Responsibilities include validating client information and asset eligibility, as well as handling various non-standard transfer types. The associate will also manage DTC/FOP transfers and address any documentation or processing irregularities by executing appropriate reject paths and applying controls to prevent future errors.

A key aspect of this position involves extensive communication with external entities such as contra firms, transfer agents, and partner brokers. This includes coordinating on rejections, accelerations, reclaims, and documentation. The associate will also be responsible for running mass account transfers and conversions, both internal and external, and will collaborate with engineering teams to automate self-clearing workflows.

Success in this role means driving continuous operational improvement through root cause and trend analysis, and updating the control framework. The Brokerage Operations Associate I will serve as the firm's subject matter expert on transfers, providing guidance on policy-related queries and participating in cross-functional initiatives. This position requires a strong understanding of U.S. broker-dealer back-office operations and the ability to adapt to an evolving regulatory landscape.

The salary for this position ranges from $112,000 to $188,000 USD.

Skills that matter here

• ACATS: This role requires hands-on experience with ACATS transfers, understanding the full transfer lifecycle, status progression, and industry timing requirements.
• FINRA Rule 11870: Knowledge of this FINRA rule is essential for understanding standard and nonstandard transfer flows.
• NSCC rules: Familiarity with NSCC rules is necessary for compliance and proper handling of transfers.
• DTCC rules: Understanding DTCC rules is crucial for navigating brokerage operations and settlements.
• Securities licensing: The role requires holding the SIE and Series 99 licenses, or passing the Series 99 within the first 180 days of employment.
• SQL: Basic knowledge of SQL or similar query tools is needed for navigating internal tools and data.

Who this role suits

• Someone with at least two years of direct ACATS experience who understands the full transfer lifecycle.
• An individual who is detail-oriented and adept at identifying processing irregularities and implementing corrective actions.
• A person who can communicate effectively with external firms and internal teams, coordinating complex transfer processes.
• A candidate comfortable adapting to regulatory changes and contributing to operational build-outs in a remote, fast-paced environment.

From the employer

Your Role:

• Process daily incoming and outgoing ACATS within industry timelines, validating client information, contra accounts, and asset eligibility across the full transfer lifecycle.
• Process DTC / FOP (Free of Payment) transfers, ACATS Free Deliveries, Fail Reversals, and nonstandard transfer types (PTR, PTD, RCL, RCR, FRV, MFC, PTF).
• Identify documentation and processing irregularities, execute the correct reject paths, and apply controls to prevent errors.
• Handle communications with contra firms, transfer agents, and partner brokers, coordinating on rejections, accelerations, reclaims, and documentation.
• Run mass account transfers and conversions, both internal and external.
• Partner with engineering to automate daily self-clearing workflows.
• Drive continuous operational improvement through root cause analysis, trend analysis, and updates to the control framework.
• Serve as the firm's Subject Matter Expert on transfers, acting as a referral point for policy-related queries.
• Prepare summary documentation for special projects and participate in cross-functional initiatives as assigned.

Who You Are (Must-Haves):

• 2+ years of ACATS experience, with hands-on industry portal usage and a strong understanding of the ACATS cycle, status progression, and industry timing requirements.
• Working knowledge of NSCC / DTCC rules, FINRA Rule 11870, and standard vs. nonstandard transfer flows.
• Knowledge of U.S. broker-dealer back-office operations, including DTC settlements, FOP transfers, Fund/SERV, and contra account formats across major U.S. broker-dealers.
• Ability to identify documentation and processing irregularities, draw logical conclusions, and outline corrective measures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast-paced environment with hard daily cutoffs.
• Basic knowledge of SQL, Metabase, or similar query tools, and comfort navigating internal tools, industry portals, ticketing systems, and Google/Microsoft document solutions.
• Ability to adapt to an evolving regulatory landscape and contribute to a self-clearing operational build-out, while embodying our tenets: Stay Curious, Have Empathy, Be Accountable.
• Possess the SIE and Series 99 (or higher securities license), or achieve a passing result on the Series 99 within the first 180 days of employment.

How We Take Care of You:

• Competitive Salary & Stock Options.
• Health Benefits.
• New Hire Home-Office Setup: One-time USD $500.
• Monthly Stipend: USD $150 per month via a Brex Card.

Alpaca is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.