Mutual Fund Administration Senior Specialist

About the role

The Mutual Fund Administration (MFA) division is responsible for fund administration related to the Northwestern Mutual Series Fund which consists of 30 portfolios. MFA is also responsible for accounting and financial reporting related to Northwestern Mutual’s variable annuity and variable life separate accounts.

Responsibilities

• Perform oversight of outsourced service providers including but not limited to fund accounting and pricing services
• Execution and coordination of controls over daily valuation of mutual funds.
• Preparation and review of financial statements and related financial materials and disclosures.
• Provides financial information to meet the needs of internal and external customers, including preparing regulatory filings for the Securities and Exchange Commission, performance calculations and marketing information.
• Responsible for mutual fund compliance with the IRS, SEC and all other regulators.
• Researches and engages in various projects associated with new products, new funds, new regulations, system enhancements and ad hoc requests.
• May be asked to lead small project efforts and assist on complex projects.
• May be asked to Identify book to tax differences and oversee the preparation of the excise and fiscal tax calculations for the mutual funds.
• Demonstrates ability to work with internal and external contacts such as information systems, investment traders, auditors, brokers, custodians and investment advisors.
• Recommends and reviews new methods to allow for added process/control improvements

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• Three years of prior accounting experience
• High degree of self-motivation
• Proven ability to meet strict deadlines
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work well with limited guidance
• Demonstrated superior analytical and problem-solving ability
• Demonstrated ability to retrieve and utilize information from accounting system and other sources
• CPA or CPA candidate preferred
• Previous mutual fund administration, mutual fund accounting, or investment company audit experience preferred.
• A working knowledge of GAAP and/or tax accounting for investments.
• Ability to work well in a team environment

Skills

Prepares and presents financial statements accurately and reports that summarize the financial performance and position of NM's products and services, adhering to accounting principles and regulatory requirements. This includes analyzing financial data, reconciling accounts, and effectively communicating financial information to internal and external stakeholders to facilitate decision-making and ensure transparency and compliance. Demonstrates knowledge of various types of financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, derivatives, structured securities, and alternative investments to effectively engage with stakeholders involved in the investment process.Demonstrates ability to understand and apply the concepts of internal controls over financial reporting and applicable business cycles (e.g., Budget, Expenditure, Revenue, Payroll, Property).Pursues learning and obtains knowledge continuously in relevant fields, methods, or technologies in current and future practices; continuously utilizes critical thinking to identify opportunities, execute solutions, and measure impact to constantly improve existing practices and processes based on feedback, lessons learned, and market trends.

• Skills Statutes & Regulation (NM)
• Internal Controls (NM)
• Storytelling through Data (NM)