Operations Analyst - Princeton University

Princo is widely recognized as an innovative leader in the investment management industry. We manage the University's $34 billion Endowment through a global network of over 65 investment firms which span seven asset classes:

• Developed Markets
• Emerging Markets
• Independent Return: Hedge Funds
• Private Equity: Buyouts and Venture Capital
• Real Assets: Real Estate and Natural Resources
• Fixed Income and Cash

Princo is a small, flat organization that values open debate and independent thinking. The entire investment team, from Analysts to the Chief Investment Officer, works together on an open floor plan and makes investment decisions collaboratively. Each investment professional gains broad exposure to all asset classes, with a focus on one or two.

Princo seeks to earn outstanding long-term investment returns in support of the University’s financial aid, teaching, and research mission. The combination of Princo’s distinctive investment philosophy and the perpetual nature of the Endowment creates a compelling intellectual challenge. Princo has a long history of superior performance, with returns that have consistently placed in the top percentile of institutional investors and that have outperformed those of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway over the past 20 years.

The Operations Team at Princeton University Investment Company is responsible for supporting the investment operations of Princeton's endowment. The team is seeking a candidate to account for capital distributions, market values, review financial statements related to its portfolio of investments, and conduct various aspects of operational due diligence.

Accordingly, the candidate must have a strong understanding of the annual reporting cycle and internal control framework of an investment company; from the development of journal entries, proper segregation of duties, through to the sign off of audited financial statements. Candidate must also have the ability to analyze the financial statements of investment companies, conduct operational due diligence, and report to senior management on operational risks, weaknesses and/or deficiencies. Candidate must have the ability to research and report on new developments in the accounting field involving investment companies and to assess the impact on buy side investors.

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

Essential Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-4 years previous experience in an accounting role, preferably in a financial services firm.

• CPA or CFA a plus

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS