Financial Analyst

Aquatic was founded with a shared passion for tackling some of the most complex challenges in one of the world’s most competitive arenas—global financial markets. From the very beginning, we have been driven by a deep commitment to applying cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation to deliver unparalleled performance. Our journey is one of continuous growth and exploration, marked by a spirit of curiosity and relentless drive for excellence. 

At Aquatic, we are actively recruiting for a Financial Analyst to join our Finance team in Chicago. The Financial Analyst will assist in all aspects of accounting for our management company and general partner entities and the Funds we manage, including tax, investor reporting, and budgeting/forecasting responsibilities.

You will collaborate closely with Finance, as well as our fund administrator, auditors, and tax advisors. The work is hands-on, detail-oriented, and visible: accurate books and clear analysis give leadership the information it needs to run the firm as it grows. We are building a modern Finance function and expect our team to use AI to work faster and smarter.

Role Details

• Month-end close for the management company.
• Build and maintain the management company's annual budget and rolling forecasts, and prepare budget-to-actual and variance analyses.
• Review fund administrator books and investor statements, and assist with investor reporting for the funds.
• Invoice, credit card, and expense reimbursement processing through Ramp.
• Assist in regulatory reporting, the year-end fund audit, financial statements, K-1s and K-3s, 1099s, and tax filings for the funds and management company.
• Use AI tools to streamline recurring workflows, analysis, and reporting, applying sound judgment in validating AI output.
• Help implement new tools across Finance, including our transition to an AI-native accounting platform.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations on ad hoc requests and projects.
• Perform other related duties as necessary or assigned.

Technical Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience working within finance or accounting for a financial services or audit firm.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and financial planning and analysis (FP&A) processes is a plus.
• Proficiency with AI tools to improve analysis, automate recurring work, and increase productivity is preferred.
• Knowledge of management company accounting, management company taxes, fund accounting, and fund taxes is a plus.
• Exposure to US and international tax or international offices is a plus.
• Experience with investor reporting is a plus.
• Experience auditing hedge funds, doing tax compliance for hedge funds, and/or working directly in a hedge fund is preferred.
• Experience with cloud-based accounting or ERP systems is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Ramp, and Northern Trust Hedge Fund Services (Administrator) tools is a plus.

Candidate Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong bias for action, accountability, and urgency
• Curiosity and eagerness to adopt new technology, including AI, to continuously improve how work gets done
• Collaborative and focused on delivering results as a team
• Working in office five days a week is preferred

Compensation

The base salary for this role is anticipated to be between $90,000-$120,000, which is based on information at the time of posting. This position may also be eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as a discretionary bonus, and benefits. Discretionary bonus can be a significant portion of total compensation. Actual compensation for successful candidates will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their unique skills, qualifications and relevant experience.

Benefits:

• Benefits: For full-time employees, fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, competitive 401k plan, employer-paid life & disability insurance 
• Perks: Wellness programs, casual dress, snacks, lunch, game room, team and company events
• Development: Open environment to maximize learning and knowledge sharing
• Time: Generous PTO, paid holidays, competitive paid caregiver leaves

This role represents a unique opportunity to join a quantitative investment manager in its early stage of growth. The firm’s culture will be shaped by collaboration, meritocracy, ambition, and calm determination.

Aquatic is a proud equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
Aquatic may use artificial intelligence and other automated tools to support certain aspects of our recruitment process. These tools may assist in reviewing application materials, analyzing candidate-provided information, and evaluating qualifications relevant to open positions. Information you submit during the application and interview process may be processed using these technologies.