Investment Accountant

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (“Helmsley”) is a global philanthropy driven by a vision of building better futures for people by increasing access to healthcare, advancing new research and ideas, and improving the quality of everyday life. Helmsley strives to make a meaningful impact in its focus areas, matching its significant financial assets with a rigorous and results-oriented approach.

About the role

The Investment Accountant is an integral part of the Finance team and assists in accounting for the investments of Helmsley’s endowment of approximately $7.6 billion. This role requires a partnership philosophy with Helmsley’s internal and external parties. The Investment Accountant reports to the Tax and Investment Accounting Manager.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that Helmsley’s financial controls, investment accounting policies and procedures are maintained and enhanced.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing and accounting of investment transactions, including:
  • Settlement of trades
  • Monitoring movement of securities
  • Cash and position reconciliations, accruals, etc.
  • Execution of capital calls, receipt of distributions, and other capital activities
  • Monthly/quarterly management fee analysis and payment
  • Preparation of accounting and tax journal entries
  • Other shadow accounting activities as appropriate
• Stay current with evolving accounting, technology, and reporting considerations of investment products.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and analyses to ensure sufficient liquidity to meet grantmaking, operational and strategic funding requirements.
• Manage dynamic interaction and cooperation with Investments Department.
• Perform as primary contact for relationship and collaboration of investment administration with Master Custodian Bank to ensure smooth operations and timely resolution of issues.
• Prepare annual financial audit workpapers and act as liaison with outside auditors on investment accounting matters.
• Analyze Schedules K-1.
• Prepare tax workpapers.
• Review foreign filings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related experience. CPA preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience applying accounting principles to investment accounting for all types of securities and alternative investments at an investment firm or endowment.
• Flexibility and adaptability commensurate with working in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, corporate enterprise-wide accounting software and ability to adapt to new systems.
• Prior experience with master custodial banks.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of financial information.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey relevant financial information in a clear, concise manner to a non-technical audience.
• Must thrive in a team-setting but work well independently and self-sufficiently.
• Positive attitude under pressure.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and their families
• Generous 401(k) employer contribution
• Hybrid work schedule (up to two remote days a week)
• 23+ paid vacation and sick days
• 13+ paid holidays
• End of year office closure
• Summer Fridays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal and team professional development opportunities

Pay

The targeted starting salary range for this position is $98,000 - $102,800.

The position is based at Helmsley’s main office in New York City. All persons hired must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.