Position Summary: 

Cerity Partners is seeking an Operational Due Diligence (ODD) analyst to join its ODD team.  The position offers a motivated candidate with a minimum of 5 years ODD experience and 7 years overall work experience the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of investments and deepen their ODD expertise on an established team at a growing organization.  The position will have the corporate title of Senior Associate, reporting to the Head of ODD, and will involve frequent interaction with other ODD team members.  Candidates able to work on a hybrid basis from a Cerity Partners office in New York or other locations in the United Status, or on a remote basis within the United States, will be considered. 

The primary responsibility of the role is to independently conduct and complete ODD reviews on a broad range of third party investment managers and funds.  The ideal candidate will have prior experience independently conducting ODD reviews, existing subject matter expertise, a general enthusiasm for the ODD field and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities outlined below represent the general scope and level of work assigned to the position.  As firm and team requirements evolve, so too could the nature and level of responsibility of this role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently conduct ODD reviews on third party investment managers across multiple asset classes, investment strategies, geographies and jurisdictions.  Initiate reviews, gather and review related documentation, and conduct investment manager and related meetings either onsite or by videoconference.  Prepare ODD reports documenting key information, summarizing analysis and findings, and providing overall review conclusions.  Present ODD review findings to internal committee/s, as needed.
• Assist with other ODD team tasks and deliverables, including ad hoc and ongoing project work, as needed.
• Interact with Cerity Partners colleagues outside of the ODD team, including investment team members, Legal, Compliance and Operations / Accounting, in the context of the ODD process and as needed.
• Remain informed on industry developments applicable to ODD.
• Frequent travel may be required, largely to meet with third party investment managers.  Travel is expected to primarily be in the United States, however some international travel may be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Relevant advanced degree or industry qualification (CPA, CFA, CAIA) beneficial.
• Minimum of 5 years of Operational Due Diligence experience, with current ability to independently conduct ODD reviews, based on prior experience, through presenting to internal committee/s, as applicable.
• Minimum of 7 years of overall work experience, ideally in the financial services industry.
• Knowledge of different asset classes (hedge funds, public markets, private markets, real assets), product types (private funds, mutual funds, other) and regulatory jurisdictions (primarily USA, with some international, including Europe).
• Strong knowledge of operational best practice, counterparties, and service providers in the investment management industry.
• Proficient in detailed review of fund offering documents, financial statements, background checks and other widely-reviewed documents in the course of ODD reviews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, with accompanying analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently to deadline, while escalating pertinent items to applicable ODD team members as needed.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with senior members of third party managers and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency with AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools and industry due diligence systems beneficial.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, complex and fast-paced environment.

Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrate strong and effective communication, organizational and time management skills.
• Drive to learn
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work in a team based/collaborative environment.
• Must accept and thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Adherence to all compliance policies & procedures.
• Demonstrate the Cerity Partners culture.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Compensation:

Salary: $150,000 - $175,000 per annum. Eligible for discretionary annual bonus.