Quantitative Financial Analyst

We are seeking a driven, experienced, and detail-oriented Quantitative Financial Analyst to join a critical, financially-focused federal agency dedicated to maintaining the integrety of the capital markets.  This is a unique opportunity to directly support the agency's enforcement mission by leveraging advanced data analysis techniques to deterect and investigate potential trading violations and market abuse.  The ideal candidate has a deep appreciation for financial services compliance and a proven ability to turn complex, high-volume trading data into actionable intelligence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform in-depth data analysis on corporate and trading data extracts to identify anomalies, patterns, and behaviors indicative of potential securities law violations (e.g., insider trading, market manipulation)
• Ingest, transform, and manipulate large, complex data sets, ensuring data quality and readiness for sophisticated analysis
• Work collaboratively with legal, compliance, and enforcement teams to provide clear, well-supported analysis and findings
• Develop and refine data models and queries to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of surveillance programs

What you need to be considered for this role (required)

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Financial Engineering, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field
• 5+ years of progressive, related work experience within the financial services industry
• Prior experience working for an asset management firm, a capital markets compliance or surveillance team, a regulatory body, or similar
• Deep familiarity with a variety of security types (e.g., equities, fixed income, derivatives) and a strong understanding of how trading and settlement are conducted in capital markets
• Expertise with MS Excel for complex analysis and proficiency in using the Bloomberg Terminal or similar financial data platforms
• Proven ability to analyze, synthesize, and make sense of complex, high-volume data; demonstrable ability to use multiple financial toolkits for data analysis
• Exceptional attention to detail, a strong work ethic, a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently, and strong verbal/written communication skills
• U.S. Citizenship is required (dual nationals are not eligible)
• Position requires the ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Public Trust background investigation

What makes you stand out from the crowd (desired)

• Advanced Degree (Master's or higher) in Financial Engineering, Finance, or a quantitative discipline
• Strong working knowledge of databases, SQL, APIs, and a programming language like Python for data manipulation and statistical analysis
• Experience in Securities Operations or a dedicated Data Forensics role

About Us

Ascella Technologies develops and implements innovative technology solutions to deliver business outcomes and help clients manage risk. Our senior consultants and software engineers bring extensive experience in our clients' specialized business domains, applications, and technologies. With this experience, Ascella has helped Federal, State, and local government agencies achieve success in their most critical missions. Founded in 2002, Ascella is continuously growing and looking for team members who can help us continue to deliver value-added technology-based solutions.

Ascella's continued success is a reflection of our passion for people. We hire individuals with valuable experiences, and we strive to place people in roles that let them fully utilize their talents and flourish.  We also maintain an entrepreneurial culture in which each person's contribution makes a visible impact on our company and is recognized accordingly.

What makes Ascella employees great

• Innovative Thinkers: From small suggestions to large goals, employee voices are heard and acknowledged. We encourage employees to come up with creative ideas and give everyone the opportunity to help us define how we do things.  You will have the opportunity to solve real business problems and be challenged to come up with innovative solutions.
• Lifelong learners: We value lifelong learners who are excited about professional development and personal growth. At Ascella, employees are part of a company and a culture that encourages continuous improvement of both the organization and our employees. You will work in a collaborative environment with an experienced, highly capable team that learns from each other, and you will be both challenged and supported in your efforts to learn and grow.
• Customer-Centric: Ascella is committed to complete customer satisfaction on every project. Our employees provide our customers with excellent service, proactively coming up with solutions to current and anticipated needs.  The customer experience is an integral part of our mission and values, and you will work alongside people who are focused and dedicated to complete customer satisfaction. 
• Open Communicators: Transparency and communication are important to us at Ascella. We have an "open door" policy, and our employees ask questions and share information on a regular basis.  We believe in aligning employee work with overall company objectives and being open about our strategic plan and what we are trying to achieve.  We encourage regular feedback and appreciate employee input on what's working and what's not so we can initiate discussions about how to improve our processes.
• Inclusive: At Ascella, we encourage and embrace diversity in our workforce.  We are committed to being an inclusive organization where all employees feel valued, respected, and engaged.  Our employees have an array of talents, ideas, and experiences that help foster creativity and innovation and drive our success.

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Position: Quantitative Financial Analyst
Location: Washington, DC / Chicago, IL / New York, NY (Fully remote)
Base Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and we are open to discussing compensation based on your qualifications and experience
Other Compensation: 4% contribution to 401(k), performance bonus, profit-sharing
Paid Time Off: 16 days PTO/year, 11 holidays/year
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 401(k)…and more
Position is open until filled; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Ascella Technologies is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion or sexual orientation. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. Ascella Technologies is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.

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