CAF Strategy & Investments Operations Manager

at PwC in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Specialty/Competency: IFS – Internal Firm Services – Other

Industry/Sector: Not Applicable

Time Type: Full time

Travel Requirements: Up to 20%

A career in National Special Functions, within Internal Firm Services, will provide you with the opportunity to support service, sector, and market leaders deliver the unique PwC client experience to our clients. You’ll play an important part in continuously innovating and improving Firm operations so that we can continue to provide the highest quality of services to our current and prospective clients.

As part of our Policy, Strategy and Leadership team, you’ll provide strategic oversight, manage operations, and develop policies for all aspects of our National Special Functions practice.

To really stand out and make us fit for the future in a constantly changing world, each and every one of us at PwC needs to be a purpose-led and values-driven leader at every level. To help us achieve this we have the PwC Professional; our global leadership development framework. It gives us a single set of expectations across our lines, geographies and career paths, and provides transparency on the skills we need as individuals to be successful and progress in our careers, now and in the future.

As a Senior Manager, you’ll work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. PwC Professional skills and responsibilities for this management level include but are not limited to:

+ Encourage everyone to have a voice and invite opinion from all, including quieter members of the team.

+ Deal effectively with ambiguous and unstructured problems and situations.

+ Initiate open and candid coaching conversations at all levels.

+ Move easily between big picture thinking and managing relevant detail.

+ Anticipate stakeholder needs, and develop and discuss potential solutions, even before the stakeholder realises they are required.

+ Contribute technical knowledge in area of specialism.

+ Contribute to an environment where people and technology thrive together to accomplish more than they could apart.

+ Navigate the complexities of cross-border and/or diverse teams and engagements.

+ Initiate and lead open conversations with teams, clients and stakeholders to build trust.

+ Uphold the firm’s code of ethics and business conduct.

We are seeking an experienced Investment Fund Finance Manager to join our Advisory International Group. The primary responsibility of this role is to provide comprehensive financial management support to our investment fund operations. The Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing fund financials, tracking budget performance against actuals, conducting financial analysis, and preparing reports to aid decision-making processes.

Knowledge/Skills:

Experienced Fund Finance Finance professional with strong analytical, communication and organizational skills to support our Advisory International group in a number of key areas including:

Fund Financial Management and Operations:

+ Take ownership of the day-to-day financial operations of our investment funds, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

+ Coordinate with fund stakeholders to maintain accurate records and resolve operational issues promptly.

+ Oversee and manage all aspects of fund financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

+ Monitor cash flows, liquidity, and fund performance metrics..

+ Management of Fund Strategy & Investments Operations team providing guidance and direction for the execution of operational activities to support fund objectives

+ Coordinate with auditors for annual audits and ensure timely completion of audit processes.

Budget Tracking and Analysis:

+ Develop and maintain detailed budgets for investment funds.

+ Monitor budget performance against actual expenditures, identifying variances and analyzing causes.

+ Collaborate with fund managers and investment teams to understand underlying drivers of financial performance.

Financial Analysis and Insights:

+ Conduct in-depth financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and investment evaluations.

+ Analyze key financial metrics, such as IRR, ROI, and cash flow projections, to provide actionable insights and recommendations to fund managers and investment teams to optimize fund performance and profitability.

+ Evaluate investment opportunities, assessing potential risks and returns.

Reporting and Compliance:

+ Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for internal stakeholders, including fund performance reports, budget variance analysis, and financial projections.

+ Assist in preparing investment reports, ensuring transparency and accuracy in financial disclosures.

+ Communicate financial insights and recommendations to senior management and investment committees.

Process Optimisation and Improvement:

+ Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and enhance operational efficiency within the fund finance function.

+ Implement best practices in fund accounting, reporting, and controls to improve accuracy, timeliness, and scalability.

+ Continuously assess and refine internal controls to mitigate operational risks and safeguard fund assets.

+ Continuously monitor and evaluate internal controls to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

+ Provide recommendations to support the future state design of a new fund management system

Teaming

+ Proven ability to manage / lead within assigned areas of responsibility with strong adherence to deadlines.

+ Solid attention to detail and delivery of exceptional quality product is a must.

+ Work effectively in a remote team environment.

+ Working with team members across multiple locations/ time zones.

Additional Information:

This role presents an exciting opportunity for a finance operations professional to play a vital role in managing the financial operations of our investment funds within our Advisory International Group. The successful candidate will have the chance to drive process improvements, optimize fund performance, and contribute to the growth and success of our investment management business. We offer competitive compensation packages and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field. CPA or CFA designation preferred.

+ Minimum of 5 years of experience in fund finance operations, preferably within the asset management industry.

+ Good understanding of fund accounting principles

+ Proficiency in financial analysis techniques, with advanced Excel skills and experience in financial modeling.

+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and present complex financial information clearly.

+ Proven track record of implementing process improvements and enhancing operational efficiency in finance operations.

+ Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

Learn more about how we work: https://pwc.to/how-we-work

PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the future, PwC sponsorship through the H-1B lottery, except as set forth within the following policy: https://pwc.to/H-1B-Lottery-Policy.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at PwC without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. PwC is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

For positions based in San Francisco, consideration of qualified candidates with arrest a