Operational Due Diligence Analyst, Alternative Investments

Job Description Summary

Provide insights, make recommendations, create awareness and educate financial advisors or (external clients) on the various products and services offered on financial product solutions. Typically, first point of contact for product offerings for clients.

Job Description

Job Summary

Under general supervision, uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience and formal training to develop and maintain an alternative investment operational due diligence program. Coverage universe will span the spectrum from private equity, hedge funds, real estate and credit products. Will communicate regularly with outside fund managers, analyze fund operations, and prepare written reports based on analysis performed. Collaborate with Raymond James Alternative Investments Group (AIG) Operations and Due Diligence teams to obtain information needed from fund sponsors. Guidance is provided to perform varied, complex functions with the responsibility for making non-routine decisions; however, the incumbent is expected to perform the role with a high degree of independence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and maintenance of a formal operational due diligence plan. Update design as needed on a regular basis.

• Perform operational risk reviews of funds. Prepare written reports based on these reviews.

• Conduct onsite due diligence reviews on third party managers and service provider operational support, internal controls, trade processing, and employees.

• Evaluate accounting and reporting processes and controls including cash management, valuation practices, and NAV analysis.

• Review financial statements and any other relevant reports on the firms’ control environments.

• Analyze funds' adherence to internal compliance policies and regulatory requirements.

• Create and execute an annual project plan to cover all required investment due diligence reviews.

• Willingness to embrace technology and employ lessons learned to improve operational due diligence processes.

• Develop and/or distribute topical reports to educate on pertinent regulatory updates or industry trends related to operational due diligence topics.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Operations of broker dealers, hedge funds, and private equity firms

• Fund accounting procedures and audit

• Intermediate investment concepts, practices and procedures used in the securities industry

• Financial markets and products

• Quantitative and qualitative understanding of the investment management business and performance measurement

• Understanding of major securities acts and how they apply to alternative investment funds

Skill in

• Performance calculations

• Analyzing financial information including audited financial statements

• Proficiency in Excel and Access

Ability to

• Produce accurate information on products and projects

• Exhibit excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

• Organize, manage and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment

• Attend to detail while maintaining the big picture orientation

• Read, interpret, analyze and apply information from professional publications

• Meet many deadlines to provide quarterly and monthly data to internal associates and external Financial Advisors

• Work independently as well as in a team environment

• Assist in leading meetings and contribute to team efforts by ensuring all relevant information is included in the outcomes

Education/Previous Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in accounting or finance and prefer a minimum of two years of experience at a broker/dealer or hedge fund or private equity firm

• OR ~

• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources

Licenses/Certifications

• SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.

• Series 7 within 6 months

• Prefer candidate for the CFA, CIMA or CAIA

Education

Bachelor’s: Accounting, Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Data Processing

Work Experience

General Experience - 13 months to 3 years

Certifications

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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