Operations Analyst

Princeton University - Princeton, NJ

Full-time

Princeton, NJ

Educational Services

About the position

The Operations Analyst position at Princeton University Investment Company (Princo) is a critical role within the Operations Team, which is responsible for supporting the investment operations of Princeton's endowment, valued at $34 billion. Princo is recognized as an innovative leader in the investment management industry, managing a diverse portfolio through a global network of over 65 investment firms across various asset classes, including Developed Markets, Emerging Markets, Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Real Assets, and Fixed Income. The Operations Analyst will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data related to these investments. The successful candidate will be tasked with accounting for capital distributions and market values, reviewing financial statements related to the portfolio of investments, and conducting various aspects of operational due diligence. This role requires a strong understanding of the annual reporting cycle and the internal control framework of an investment company, including the development of journal entries and the proper segregation of duties leading up to the sign-off of audited financial statements. The Operations Analyst will also analyze financial statements of investment companies, conduct operational due diligence, and report to senior management on operational risks, weaknesses, and deficiencies. In addition to these responsibilities, the Operations Analyst will be expected to research and report on new developments in the accounting field that impact investment companies and assess their implications for buy-side investors. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in a small, flat organization that values open debate and independent thinking, allowing for broad exposure to all asset classes and collaborative decision-making across the investment team.

Responsibilities

• Process cash and security movements for Level I, II and Level III assets
• Reconcile internal records with custodial bank
• Identify and process investment valuations across global accounting standards
• Evaluate appropriateness of valuation methodologies and conclusions
• Perform month end closing procedures
• Research and reconcile partner statements and financials with internal records and agreements
• Compile and analyze financial information for year-end reporting
• Review financials/reporting of investment companies and identify SEC, GAAP or IFRS compliance
• Identify and interpret financial and operational risk
• Work closely and liaise with colleagues within and outside the department
• Calculate carried interest payments and reserve accruals
• Assist in vendor management and platform development
• Assist in continuing efforts to improve operational efficiency

Requirements

• BA, preferably in accounting, finance or equivalent
• Strong work ethic
• Great attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to be flexible and work well in a small team environment
• Must possess strong mathematical and reasoning abilities
• Experience and fluency in Microsoft Office applications and relational database management
• Comfortable with automation and seeking workflow improvements [process and technology]
• Strong organizational abilities and ability to multi-task

Nice-to-haves

• 2-4 years previous experience in an accounting role, preferably in a financial services firm
• CPA or CFA a plus