Analyst (Accounting Operations), Columbia Investment Management Company

Analyst (Accounting Operations), Columbia Investment Management Company

Position Summary

Columbia University Investment Management Company, LLC, ("IMC") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia University charged with stewarding Columbia's managed assets for the current and future support of the University's operations and with preserving the purchasing power of the assets over the long-term. Almost all funds are managed externally in a diversified strategy that uses active and passive management techniques across a range of asset classes.

The IMC seeks professionals who embody our values. We seek those who recognize that first and foremost, we are stewards of the University. We are purposeful about the decisions we make, always mindful that decisions must reflect the strategy and the priorities of the organization. We strive to balance the art and science of investing using tools and technology to enhance decision making. We value technology in our process but know that it is most effective when combined with human judgement and eye towards assessing how we expect markets and processes to evolve over time. We are intellectually honest, holding ourselves and others to account so that we make the best decisions for long-term outperformance. Finally, we are a team. A team that shares responsibility for the inputs and outputs of our process. We believe strongly in collaboration and effective communications as requirements for success.

The IMC seeks professionals who can contribute materially to the management of the portfolio. Independent thinking and open dialogue are actively encouraged, with team members contributing to the skills, thinking, qualitative and quantitative analysis related to a range of the portfolio, including equities, real estate, energy, other real assets, private equity or a variety of public market strategies. The IMC environment is one in which staff members are expected to develop professionally, work collaboratively across asset classes, and assume greater responsibilities according to ability and impact.

Responsibilities

Reporting to Chief Financial Officer, the Analyst will be a key contributor in executing IMC's transaction and reporting processes, as well as enhancing IMC's overall operations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with the review and processing of daily transactions such as capital calls, distributions, redemptions, and transfers.
• Coordinate the review and updating of monthly and quarterly manager data and ensuring investments are properly set up in IMC's portfolio accounting system.
• Coordinating directly with the custodian to ensure accounts are appropriately set up and entries are made in accounting and performance measurement systems.
• Collaborating closely with team members to compile, coordinate and review the monthly portfolio accounting and performance data, while identifying areas of process improvements.
• Reviewing monthly reconciliations and reports and identifying issues to senior team members with a focus on controls and areas of process improvements.
• Reviewing the key drivers of investment performance, assist senior team members in understanding changes in the portfolio and working with the investment team to validate observations.
• Working closely with team members to provide project management support.
• Coordinate the review of legal documents to verify fee arrangements and other negotiated terms.
• Assist with maintaining tax information and liaise with the University's tax department.

In addition, the Analyst is expected to perform other related duties and materially participate in various projects which may include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in the analysis of returns both at an individual manager and overall portfolio level.
• Interfacing with investment managers to increase understanding of information disclosed in financial statements.
• Identifying, recommending and implementing potential workflow improvements using new technologies.
• Critically reviewing, streamlining and/or enhancing reporting tools and make recommendations to facilitate investment management and asset allocation decisions.
• Evaluating changes in investment accounting standards and the related impact on financial reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and or its equivalent.
• At least two to four years of experience in the investment fund/asset management industry required.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA strongly preferred.

Other Requirements

• The candidate must have a fundamental desire to improve their understanding of a global multi asset class investment portfolio and the related best practices around operations, accounting, audit, and risk management processes.
• Must be detail-oriented, have excellent applied spreadsheet skills (including financial functions, pivot tables), embraces technology (including the ability to navigate databases, productivity, and business intelligence tools), and is looking to improve the depth of their analytical capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are required to effectively collaborate with a variety of audiences.
• In addition to strong critical thinking skills, a high degree of intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuously learn are all required to be a successful member of the IMC team.
• Must have demonstrated the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a time sensitive environment.
• Must have the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines for both short/long term and ad-hoc assignments.
• Must have a commitment to exceptional quality and have the highest ethical standards.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.