Investment Operations Senior Analyst

Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

East Lansing, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Investment Operations Senior Analyst plays a crucial role in monitoring, reporting, and providing subject matter support for the investment operations functions of the MSU Common Investment Fund (CIF). This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with government regulations and University policies and procedures, as well as maintaining effective internal controls. The analyst will perform and review the reporting and monitoring of existing investments' performance, which includes creating executive dashboards, performance reporting, cash management, and investment monitoring against established investment policy asset allocation targets. The role also involves reporting on variances and coordinating all rebalancing transactions to ensure optimal investment performance. In addition to performance monitoring, the Investment Operations Senior Analyst oversees the maintenance of investment software, which includes setting up new funds, companies, share classes, and conducting month-end review processes. The analyst will prepare CIF data submissions for external consultants, which are essential for performance reporting, benchmarking, and cash flow projections. Furthermore, the analyst will draft materials for quarterly Board of Trustees Investment Advisory Subcommittee meetings and monitor CIF liquidity by preparing internal cash projections. The position also requires serving as an alternate or delegate for manager-level approvals for money movement and assisting the Investment Operations Manager in collaborating with the Investment Management Team. This includes onboarding new fund managers or funds, preparing legal documents, coordinating legal reviews, and monitoring changes to legal documents and investment terms. The analyst will act as a knowledge expert for the investment database and ensure adherence to data retention requirements. Additionally, the role involves reviewing and overseeing the collection and validation of Schedule K-1 tax forms and foreign entity tax reporting, while also assisting in the development and maintenance of operating policies, processes, procedures, and internal controls for Investment Operations processes. The analyst will contribute to the research, design, and implementation of systems and processes to facilitate and continuously improve the functions of Investment Operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on investment performance against policy asset allocation targets.
• Oversee maintenance of investment software, including setup of new funds and month-end reviews.
• Prepare CIF data submissions for external consultants for performance reporting and cash flow projections.
• Draft materials for quarterly Board of Trustees Investment Advisory Subcommittee meetings.
• Monitor CIF liquidity and prepare internal cash projections.
• Serve as alternate for manager-level approvals for money movement.
• Assist in onboarding new fund managers or funds and changes to existing funds.
• Act as a knowledge expert for the investment database and ensure data retention compliance.
• Review and oversee collection and validation of Schedule K-1 tax forms and foreign entity tax reporting.
• Assist in developing and maintaining operating policies and internal controls for Investment Operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial analysis, management, or supervision.
• Strong data management and organizational skills.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Knowledge of advanced use of databases, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.

Nice-to-haves

• CPA designation preferred.
• Demonstrated initiative and proactive problem-solving skills.
• Ability to comprehend and extract key financial data from various reporting documents.