Vice President, Operational Excellence (Global Reconciliations) — New York, NY

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Proactively oversee the cash and par reconciliation team process, providing oversight and guidance and act as first level of escalation for all recon related issues
• Assist with the daily management and oversight of the reconciliation process including cash, par and non-custody reconciliations with both custodian bank and paying agents across all funds
• Direct fund administrators and custodian banks on solutioning for process related trends and review/reconcile processing output for accuracy while looking for root cause issues
• Prepare daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly KPIs to track trends and workflow issues
• Maintain high standard of quality controls and oversight of the recon process to ensure breaks are escalated and resolved timely
• Influencing and participating in decisions on policies/procedures designed to ensure compliance with internal, legal, and regulatory policies and ensure changing business requirements are met
• Oversee all audit related inquiries and submissions on behalf of the recon team. Work with internal audit, audit consultants, and external audit on SOC 1 controls and testing
• Work with all internal and external stakeholders to improve and enhance recon team workflows
• Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve process efficiencies and increase risk mitigation
• Participate in meetings representing the recon team and participate in department initiatives such as system enhancements, off hours testing and new business conversions as necessary
• Manage relationships with custodian banks, agent banks, and admins

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or other business-related discipline

Experience Required:

• Minimum 10-12 years of investment management operations experience with high emphasis on reconciliation and relevant asset knowledge
• Management firms with expertise in Investment Operations and Reconciliation related functions
• Strong knowledge of various asset classes, primarily focused in the area of credit/fixed income, derivatives, and FX with an emphasis on bank debt and high yield/alt credit
• Strong understanding of the loan industry and standards
• Familiarity with standard activities carried out by financial intermediaries such as investment banks, broker/dealers, Prime Brokers, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Wall Street Office and Geneva
• Experience preferred with PowerBI, Python, and other similar technology
• Direct experience partnering with the business units to ensure operational efficiency and collaborative outcomes
• Experience working with an outsource/offshore service provider
• Experience working with custodian and agent banks
• Understanding of basic accounting theories
• Hedge fund, Credit or Private Equity experience is a plus

General Requirements:

• Extremely detailed oriented with a proven track record for accuracy
• Ability and desire to work in a fast pace and dynamic environment often requiring fast solutions to complex problems
• Display outstanding written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• A self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong control focus and ability to challenge streamline processes
• Problem-solving mindset, willing to roll up the sleeves
• Well organized, high attention to detail – role directly informs investment decisions
• Ability to follow up and see issues to final resolution
• Forward and proactive thinking and ability to find ways to prevent both cash and par breaks
• Strong control focus and ability to challenge streamline processes Ability/Willingness to continuously develop and maintain “next-level” understanding of Ares business philosophy and activities

Reporting Relationships

Compensation

$170,000 - $190,000