Senior Associate, Operational Due Diligence
About the role
Firm Description
Founded in 2001, Partners Capital is a Global Investment Office acting for distinguished endowments and foundations, senior investment professionals and prominent families across the globe. With $75B+ in assets under management, the firm constructs customized investment portfolios for its clients tapping into its deep network of partnerships with what we consider exceptional asset managers across all major asset classes. Clients include Syracuse University, Sesame Workshop, INSEAD Business School, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Symphony, Eton College, Colorado College, several Oxford and Cambridge University Colleges, several family offices around the world, and senior executives from leading global investment firms. The firm employs more than 400 people across its eight offices located in Boston, New York, London, San Francisco, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dallas.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth ODD reviews of both new and existing investment managers across a range of asset classes, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and long-only strategies
- Prepare and present detailed ODD reports that assess key operational risk areas, including staffing, fund accounting, trading operations, compliance policies, valuation procedures, technology infrastructure, data security, and systems and service providers. Present findings and recommendations to research team members and internal committees in a clear and compelling manner
- Maintain and manage the team’s pipeline, coordinating closely with the Research team to ensure ODD completion in advance of investment committee meetings
- Work directly with investment managers to coordinate the ODD process, including document collection, leading virtual or on-site meetings, and any follow-ups as appropriate
- Conduct background checks on key personnel at investment managers and verify third-party service provider relationships, including fund administrators and auditors
- Ensure timely update of ODD team databases and ensure the accuracy of key manager and fund information in Partners Capital’s internal systems
- Keep up to date on industry trends, best practices and emerging risks
- Contribute to broader team or firmwide projects, including identification of process or system improvements, vendor assessments, annual surveys, financial statement reviews, or other projects as agreed
Qualifications / Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or a related field is strongly preferred. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA, CAIA, FRM) a plus
- 4+ years of relevant experience in operational due diligence, investment operations, risk management, or a related field
- Strong understanding of alternative investment fund structures, public/private asset classes and investment operations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with maintaining databases and using reporting tools (e.g., Power BI) is a plus
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to convey information clearly and interact effectively with internal and external investment managers
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to data accuracy and quality reporting
- Able to manage several projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving work environment
- Excellent problem-solving skills, professional integrity and a critical, analytical mindset
- Exhibits professionalism, integrity and strong interpersonal skills while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Benefits and Compensation
Partners Capital is committed to being a great place to work. We are focused both on wellbeing and professional growth. You can expect professional development and career progression opportunities, competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and a flexible “results-focused” working model. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, paid time off and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. The Firm also supports global philanthropy via a charity program and volunteer day. In addition, we champion a variety of wellness and social events. We also support the pursuit of professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), etc.