COO, Asset Management at Asset Management One USA Inc. in New York, New York

Job Description:

SUMMARY:

A New York-based multi-billion institutional asset manager (SEC registered investment adviser and CFTC registered CTA/CPO) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintenance and improvement of the firm’s operational infrastructure and processes:

• Ensure robust day-to-day middle/back office operations to support the firm’s numerous pooled investment vehicles and SMAs.


• Streamline operational processes to reduce risk and improve efficiencies.


• Manage relationships with service providers (trustees, prime/clearing brokers, ISDA counterparties, custodians, fund administrators, etc.) including selection, control, monitoring and periodical evaluation.

• Streamline and manage capital activity process across investment funds and accounts.

• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures and implement robust operational risk controls to affect such compliance.

Fund accounting:

• Ensure daily and monthly validation of fund NAVs from administrators.


• Manage proper valuation practice; ensure that valuation policies and procedures are appropriate across investment strategies.


• Ensure proper and robust fee calculation, and occasionally review these calculations.


• Manage annual fund audit, working with administrators and auditors.


• Assist periodic regulatory filings with various regulators and ad hoc requests for management.

Investor relations and marketing:

• Work closely with the firm’s Business Development professionals to prepare and review e-occurring client reports and presentations and various ad hoc reports and RFPs/RFIs.


• Produce accounting and investment data (e.g. returns, positions, risk metrics) as needed for marketing materials.


• Manage NAV and other fund related and firm-wide data reporting to investors and the firm’s parent companies.


• Lead the firm’s response to operational due diligence inquiries from clients and prospects.

Product development:

• Lead all operational aspects of new product launches, working closely with Business Development.


• Work with various service providers related to new product setup.


• Set up client and regulatory reportings required.

IT infrastructure and Information Security:

• Work with the firm’s Head of Information Technology/ISO to:
  
  
  • Oversee, administer and maintain the firm’s IT infrastructure.
  
  
  • Plan and oversee IT infrastructure and technical projects in alignment with organizational goals.
  
  
  
  

Risk Management and BCP:

• Manage operational risk and other corporate risks, as appropriate.


• Monitor investment guidelines.


• Manage risk calculation and reporting.


• Serve as the BCP Coordinator, maintaining the firm’s BCP and leading the firm’s responses in the event of emergency.


• Manage the reporting and resolution process of trade errors, system implementation errors, and other errors and incidents. 


• Manage the approval process of trading counterparties.  


• Manage the service provider due diligence framework.

Management responsibilities:

• Responsible for Operations Department and IT Department.
  - Operations: consists of 11 professionals (including new hires) consisting of 1 Senior Vice President (Head), 3 Vice Presidents, 3 Assistant Vice Presidents and 3 Officers.
  - Information Technology: consists of 2 professionals.


• Spearhead various projects that involve multiple departments/outside counterparties, including the firm’s parent companies and their affiliates.


• Chair the firm’s Risk Management Committee, BCP Committee, New Product Committee and Investment Strategy Committee.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of experience in asset management operations, including holding senior roles, such as Chief Operating Officer or Director of Operations.


• Experience and/or ability to understand quantitative and systematic trading strategies as well as long only equity/fixed income strategies.


• Ability to understand complex fund structures, including experience with master feeder structures.


• Knowledge of fund administration services and accounting systems.


• Experience in service provider negotiations and management.


• Experience in technology infrastructure management.


• Possess a background in Information Security, Privacy, knowledge and experience in Risk Management, Compliance Management, Data Protection and Privacy, Governance, Vendor/Customer Contract Management.


• Experience with SEC and NFA exams and knowledge of SEC and NFA exam practices.


• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, of Economics. MBA, CFA, CAIA or CHP desired.

OTHER/MISCELLANEOUS:

• Technical Skills:
  • MS Word, Excel, and Power Point (minimum).
  
  


• Other Competencies:

• Ability to take ownership for large projects and work independently.


• Attention to detail and ability to hand multiple projects in a time pressure environment with proper prioritization.


• Strong interpersonal skills and an outstanding customer service mindset to quickly and effectively respond to requests from colleagues.

• Significant degree of self-motivation.


• Strong work ethic and business integrity.
  • Hands-on leader.
  
  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Company Overview

Mizuho Americas is a leading financial institution comprising several legal entities, which together offer clients corporate and investment banking, financing, securities, treasury services, asset management, research and more. Mizuho’s operations in the Americas connect a broad client base of major corporations, financial institutions and public sector groups to local markets and a vast global network. Mizuho Americas is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: MFG), which is comprised of offices in nearly 40 countries, approximately 60,000 employees, and assets of more than USD 1.8 trillion. Learn more at mizuhoamericas.com.

Asset Managament One USA Inc. offers a competitive total rewards package.

We participate in the E-Verify program.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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