We are looking to hire an Associate in the Finance Division's Risk and Assurance (FinRiA) group, specifically into the Regulatory Reporting Quality Assurance (RRQA) team. The FinRiA group is represented in our New York, Glasgow, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong offices and performs an oversight, governance and execution role in support of the Firm's operational risk programmes and objectives. The group interacts across all areas of Finance, the Firm Operational Risk Department, the Front Office, Internal Audit and Operations, supporting accurate risk reporting across Finance whilst furthering the risk management culture and infrastructure. The RRQA team works collaboratively across New York, Glasgow, and Mumbai on a validation programme to support the continuously expanding regulatory reporting environment impacting the Morgan Stanley Finance division. What will you be doing? RRQA is an independent, second line of defence (2LOD) function within the Finance department. The team's role is to validate processes and controls supporting Finance-owned reports and components across Capital, Credit, Market, Operational, Liquidity and other reporting submitted to global regulators, from transaction capture through to final reporting. Products subject to review may include derivatives, securities financing transactions, loans, securitizations, debt and equity. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the US/EMEA validation book of work. Responsibilities will include hosting/participating in walkthrough calls with stakeholders, contributing to the testing approach plan, executing testing (including the use of digital/innovative tools), escalating any items of concern to management. The RRQA role offers significant opportunities to learn about the broader Firm as the validation programme encapsulates many different types of reporting (e.g. capital, liquidity, recovery planning) and stakeholders (e.g. Finance, Operations, Technology). The role is also project-based (e.g. not daily, weekly, monthly reporting) which offers variety in the work performed, continued learning and flexibility. Key responsibilities: > Performing validation testing activities, including: process, control and substantive testing from data source to final reporting > Problem solving and identifying root cause of data anomalies or other deficiencies in processes and controls > Monitoring, tracking and reporting of progress to management Skills required: > Ownership and accountability for tasks > Critical thinking, initiative, and an inquisitive nature to validate whether processes and controls are operating as intended > Strong analytical skills to organise, interrogate and present data in a meaningful way; attention to detail; clear documentation of results > Strong written communication and oral skills, including the ability to support on stakeholder walkthroughs > Desire to continually learn through asking questions; seek innovative ways to improve RRQA processes > Flexibility to multi-task, adapt to change, and work within a team; collaborate with peers and management to create effective solutions to validation issues > Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) experience Skills desired: > Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Accounting or similar discipline > Part or Fully Qualified accountant > Prior audit or assurance experience WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY: We are committed to maintaining the first-class service and high standard of excellence that have defined Morgan Stanley for over 89 years. Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - aren’t just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There’s also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work. To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser. Certified Persons Regulatory Requirements: If t his role is deemed a Certified role and may require the role holder to hold mandatory regulatory qualifications or the minimum qualifications to meet internal company benchmarks. Flexible work statement Interested in flexible working opportunities? Morgan Stanley empowers employees to have greater freedom of choice through flexible working arrangements. Speak to our recruitment team to find out more. Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunities employer. We work to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can maximize their full potential. Our skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the global communities in which we operate and who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences. Our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion is evident through our constant focus on recruiting, developing, and advancing individuals based on their skills and talents.