Analyst, Investment Operations at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



Investment Operations Staff



About the Department



The Office of Investments is committed to protecting and growing the University of Chicago's endowment assets to support UChicago's mission of inquiry and academic excellence. Our office invests the University's endowment while operating under the guidance of the University's Board of Trustees Investment Committee. The University of Chicago's endowment pool is one of the 20 largest private university endowments in the United States. We thrive on innovation and active sourcing of investment opportunities.



Job Summary



This role has a broad set of responsibilities that combines data management, analysis, project management, and process improvements. Above all, the Analyst will provide essential operational risk management to preserve the University's investment assets under the direction of the Senior Manager, using on-the-job knowledge while acquiring higher-level skills. The Analyst will follow established internal controls to record, analyze and report the cash flow, valuation, and performance data that supports the Investment Office's sophisticated models and portfolio analytics. This unique opportunity is for applicants who have demonstrated exemplary work ethic.


Beyond a bachelor's degree, we are seeking a team-oriented professional that possesses strong analytical, communication, problem solving and organizational skills. Intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a service mindset are of utmost importance. For Analysts pursuing advanced education, the University offers financial support for an MBA at the Booth School of Business.



Responsibilities

• Enhances the investment analytics capabilities of the Investment Office through the systematic collection, accurate recording, and diligent maintenance of essential data points. This includes but is not limited to cash flows, valuations, liquidity terms, investment attributes, and communications from fund managers.


• Executes investment transactions for assigned portfolios. Processes wires through the custodian's systems and records transactions in the Investment Office's portfolio accounting system. Remedies discrepancies discovered through the reconciliation process.


• Records valuations for investments to facilitate performance, exposure, and liquidity analysis.


• On-boards new investments by working with the fund manager, University's Financial Services department, and custodian to establish new accounts and securities.


• Provides data, analysis and solutions for investment teams by attending weekly team meetings, preparing analysis, onboarding new investments and terminating existing investments.


• Creates analysis, exhibits, and reports for use in presentations to the management team and Investment Committee.


• Identifies and collaborates with others to implement process improvements. Aides in designing, building, and testing systems to automate investment data collection, analysis and reporting.


• Supports the University in the annual audit by preparing exhibits, collecting information from fund managers, and maintaining documentation of Investment Office procedures.


• Addresses operational challenges by proactively identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems from start to finish. Collaborates with others to implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and mitigate risks.


• Maintains a strong control environment by complying with established policies and controls. Recommends process and control improvements as needed.


• Follows established internal controls to collect, reconcile, report, and make accessible the cash flow and valuation data that support the Investment Office's sophisticated models and reporting. Provides investment support functions.


• Interacts with multiple constituencies across the University as well as with external partners and audiences.


• Prepares exhibits for use in presentations to the management team and Investment Committee.


• Focuses on a primary asset class, gaining exposure to various asset classes through a scheduled analyst rotation.


• Supports some facets of the investment process, including the selection and monitoring of external investment specialists across asset classes.


• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through ---
Certifications:




---




Preferred Qualifications




Experience:

• A minimum of two years of applicable experience in investment operations, accounting or fund administration, or a combination of education and relevant work experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, specifically advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills. Capacity to quickly master technology systems currently used in the Investment Office including Backstop, custodian systems, and the data warehouse.


• Strong understanding of investment accounting principles and their application to an institutional multi-asset class portfolio.


• Proficient in working with financial data and numbers.


• Possess a strong understanding of investment instruments including equities, fixed income securities, hedge funds, and private partnerships.


• Knowledgeable on investment operation mechanics including trade settlement processes, reconciliation, performance measurement, and compliance requirements.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.


• Attention to detail. Given the intricate nature of investment operations, meticulous attention to detail is essential to ensure accuracy in transaction execution, valuation measurement, and compliance with regulations.


• Strong technology skills.


• Highest level of integrity, honesty, and personal responsibility. The analyst will be entrusted with confidential information and must act with discretion and integrity.


• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with Investment Office teams, various departments across the University, and external stakeholders.


• Works independently, prioritizes tasks and manages simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.


• Assumes complete ownership of tasks and ensures the delivery of accurate and comprehensive work outputs.


• Interpret and analyze complex financial data and reports.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)


• Cover Letter (required)


• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family



Financial Management



Role Impact



Individual Contributor



FLSA Status



Exempt



Pay Frequency



Monthly



Scheduled
Weekly Hours



37.5



Benefits Eligible



Yes



Drug Test Required



No



Health Screen Required



No



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



No



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.


Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Apply Now