Crestine Ballesteros

Experience

• 

  J.P. Morgan

  Jun 2009 - Mar 2024

  • Oversaw daily Middle Office Reconciliation operation, including static setup to exception resolution and escalation as required for daily GAV delivery.• Managed client escalations on reconciliation and reporting differences. Performs balance and transactional reconciliation of client records against street (custodians/transfer agents/brokers) from providing root cause analysis to resolving exceptions.• Led new process design, testing and implementation and manages new business initiatives from clients to support product & service expansion opportunities.• Cultivated strong relationship with key stakeholders including technology and product development, custodians, brokers and client services team to promote strategic solution for non-standard processes.• Developed tactical solutions via Alteryx for Clearing and Prime broker reconciliations for FXs and OTC Cleared Products.• Ensured internal and regulatory compliance by implementing robust controls and proactive process reviews and documentation aimed at risk reduction and an "always audit ready" function.• Implemented and upskilled team to use advanced data analytics tool, i.e. Alteryx and Tableau, to drive data-driven decision making within the function leading to better business outcomes and numbers-based KPI results.• Championed talent development programs, promoting employee engagement and retention while enhancing overall workforce capabilities. Show less • Re-engineered the fund accounting processes to reduce functional redundancy, quicker response turnover and resource efficiency.• Introduced use of Machine Learning within the reconciliation tool resulting to improved STP rate of 5% or >3MM transactions annually and reduced Manual overhead with AI team support.• Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity by partnering with Projects team to automate manual processes via automation tools, i.e. X-Ceptor, Alteryx and Tableau.• Conducted thorough root-cause analysis for issues identified within processes, resolving problems quickly to prevent recurrence, including management of Income and Corporate action exceptions, Trade and FX differences and GL variances.• Oversaw more than 10 change management initiatives yearly, ensuring smooth transitions during periods of organizational restructuring or process improvements.• Drove innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving among team members and staying abreast with market trends and best practices.• Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities resulting in 100% high performing talent retention.• Championed internal and external audits, all with satisfactory ratings. Show less • Managed multi-portfolio accounts across EMEA and WHEM regions’ day on day reconciliations activities, and monthly deliveries across more than 3k accounts for NAV Delivery.• Conducted daily reviews and reconciliation of Canada and EMEA Cash accounts receivables/payables between General Ledger and billing statements.• Optimized resource allocation by analyzing operational needs, reallocating resources as needed to maximize efficiency across all functions.• Delivered monthly client reconciliation reporting to audit and client services team.• Oversaw change management efforts during a major system migration, effectively minimizing disruptions to operations and staff morale.• Empowered team members to take ownership of their roles by providing clear expectations, guidance, and support in achieving personal performance objectives.• Led process walkthrough with internal and external auditors. Show less • Reviewed daily, weekly and monthly reconciliation for EMEA/WHEM clients for NAV Delivery• Collaborated with partner teams for aged breaks resolution• Helped meet business timeline in Reconciliation Platform migration from SmartStream SSR to TLM.• Championed continuous improvement initiatives on TLM that resulted in optimized processes leading to reduction in manual overhead for the organization and STP rate increase of average 10%.• Assisted in the onboarding of new team members by providing guidance, support, and training resources to ensure a smooth transition into the work environment.• Managed leave requests and absences and arranged covers to facilitate smooth flow of operations. Show less

  • Vice President – Middle Office Services

    Oct 2021 - Mar 2024

  • Assistant Vice President – Middle Office Services/Fund Accounting/Core Cash Operations

    Sept 2017 - Oct 2021

  • Process Manager – Fund Accounting/Core Cash Operations

    Jul 2014 - Sept 2017

  • Team Lead – Fund Accounting

    May 2011 - Jul 2014

  • Team Member (Fund Accounting Analyst)

    Jun 2009 - May 2011