Alternative Asset Specialist

Company Overview

Every firm has a culture - the values, beliefs, methodology, attitudes and standards that reflect an organization's DNA. But the truly inspiring firms - the game-changers, the industry leaders and the disruptors - have cultures that propel them to innovate and stand out. At Brown Advisory, we aim to be one of those inspired firms. Over the years, we have purposefully built and nurtured our client-first culture.

Brown Advisory is an independent investment management and strategic advisory firm committed to delivering a combination of first-class performance, strategic advice and the highest level of client service. The firm's clients-including individuals, families, family offices, endowments, foundations, charities, institutions, consultants, and financial intermediaries-are served by over 1,000 colleagues worldwide, all of whom are equity owners of the firm.

Position Summary

The Alternative Asset Team supports all operational aspects of alternative assets at Brown Advisory, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of transactions and valuations related to private equity, hedge fund, and direct investment deals. The Alternative Asset Specialist is responsible for the full investment lifecycle of these securities, including leading strategic efforts to improve the business. Daily tasks include but are not limited to: researching and resolving valuation audit and tolerance breaks; responding to and resolving ad-hoc requests and ticket queues for alternative assets; and contributing to business process efficiency initiatives. The Alternative Asset Specialist interfaces frequently with members of the investment team, to ensure efficient and effective processes are in place to support the firm's investment strategy.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Independently review, research, assess and update valuations for alternative assets.
• Provide clear, data-driven recommendations to support valuation and reporting decisions to stakeholders and partners.
• Proactively identify and escalate control gaps and propose and institute best practices and tools to be more efficient and effective. Leverage latest technologies to optimize existing and new processes.
• Collaboratively partner with client teams when on-boarding large relationships with complex alternative asset holdings and recommend proper courses of action. Lead the setup process for new alternative assets, to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Validate alternative asset statements provided by fund companies to ensure accuracy.
• Engage custodians, funds, internal portfolio management, client service and operational teams to resolve valuation issues, breaks, delays and other related matters.
• Escalate matters where valuations might be incorrect and utilize judgement to determine resolution against pricing valuation policies and guidelines. Present factual support and documentation to resolve valuation discrepancies with necessary stakeholders.
• Leverage financial and market knowledge to evaluate various valuation data points to determine appropriate action, execute updates to systems and provide data to support the recommended course of action.
• Lead and contribute to firm-wide and departmental value-add projects and present project findings to leadership and other stakeholders as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 5 - 7 years' experience working with alternative investments, or fund accounting
• Demonstrated analytical, evaluative, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong level of attention to detail, proven ability to work under pressure with multiple priorities, and a sense of urgency is required.
• Must have the ability to work effectively and efficiently in a very fast-paced, team environment.
• Strong decision making, organization, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A client-first mentality, team-player with demonstrated flexibility, and strong communication skills.
• Effective time-management, problem-resolution, and research skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines consistently, in a quick and efficient manner, and escalate expeditiously as necessary.
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Excel, specifically macros and v-lookup functionality.
• Ability to work in an office location.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; finance, accounting, or economics concentration preferred. Work experience in lieu of degree or concentration is acceptable.
• CAIA or CFA certification
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a solid proficiency and understanding of private equity and hedge fund securities, real assets, and possess a general knowledge of market mechanics.
• Accounting product experience: Addepar, APX, eFront, Tamarac.
• Advanced Excel (experience with macros).

Benefits

At Brown Advisory we offer a competitive compensation package, including full benefits.
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness program participation incentive
• Financial wellness program
• Fitness event fee reimbursement
• Gym membership discounts
• Colleague Assistance Program
• Telemedicine Program (for those enrolled in Medical)
• Adoption Benefits
• Daycare late pick-up fee reimbursement
• Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Voluntary Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Paid parental leave
• Group Long Term Disability
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) (50% employer match up to IRS limit, 4 year vesting)

Brown Advisory is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.