Finance - Private Equity Fund Accounting

Finance - Private Equity Fund Accounting Category

Accounting & Finance

457-964

Full-Time/Regular

Formed in 1974, Harvard Management Company (“HMC”) manages Harvard University's endowment and related financial assets. Our singular mission is to help ensure Harvard University has the financial resources to maintain and expand its leadership in teaching, learning, and research for future generations. The endowment is managed by a highly experienced generalist investment team whose members each take ownership of the entire portfolio, regardless of asset class.

HMC's operational structure brings a wide range of expertise to our portfolio management. These functions include legal, compliance, finance and accounting, tax, human resources and administrative services as well as information technology to develop and implement the systems necessary to support our investment activities.

SUMMARY :

HMC’s Finance team works closely with the firm’s investment professionals and external fund managers, as well as HMC’s legal and operations teams to execute all the investment activities for the portfolio. As a finance function, the team ensures the portfolio is properly controlled, which includes accounting and reporting on all portfolio activity. In addition, the team performs financial analysis and research into various elements of the investment portfolio, including performing diligence on new investment themes and opportunities, or broader analysis on market trends and events.

The incumbent will assist the team with overseeing the private equity portfolio, which consists primarily of investments in private funds. The broader Finance team also supports hedge funds, public equity, real estate, and other investment strategies; as such this individual will gain a broad perspective over these investment strategies and will collaborate on portfolio-wide initiatives, as well as contribute towards coverage across asset classes.

This is an exceptional growth opportunity for a talented individual seeking to take their career to the next level.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Assist with valuation, accounting, and reporting of the portfolio’s investments
• Provide direction and guidance to HMC’s fund administrator on their execution of transactions and valuations to ensure accounting and performance records are maintained accurately and timely
• Collaborate with other members of the finance and operations teams to execute the periodic accounting close
• Work closely with the investment, operations and legal team to execute the closing of new investment opportunities and to support the overall investment lifecycle
• Assist with technical analysis and research on ad-hoc portfolio matters, and actively engage across support functions at HMC, as well as with external service providers and 3 rd party fund managers
• Contribute towards a strong internal control environment that seeks to protect and safeguard Harvard’s financial assets and intellectual property
• Offer creativity in dealing with problem solving and idea development; flexibility in responding to a changing environment and daily workflow; and a value-added/efficiency approach to all tasks and projects

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
• Understanding of the investment industry and experience with private equity and venture capital investments and financial reporting
• Solid understanding of legal documentation and investment agreements, including the ability to interpret fund terms and structures
• Experience with fee calculations, including carried interest and waterfall models
• Ability to work well under pressure, balance competing priorities, consistently meet deadlines, and deal with the unexpected
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas succinctly
• Experience with, or strong interest in, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools and data management optimization to enhance systems and processes
• Ability to develop strong relationships throughout the organization, founded in a mindset of value added service and thoughtful analysis
• Demonstrated self-awareness, intellectual curiosity, and a rigorous…