Operational Due Diligence Senior Associate

Cerity Partners is seeking to hire an Operational Due Diligence (ODD) analyst to join the ODD team.  The position offers a motivated candidate with a minimum of 3 years prior ODD experience and 5 years overall work experience the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad range of third-party investment managers and deepen their ODD expertise on an established team at a rapidly growing organization.  The position will have the corporate title of Senior Associate, reporting to the Head of ODD, and will involve frequent interaction with other ODD team members.  Candidates able to work on a hybrid basis from a Cerity Partners office, or on a remote basis, within the United States, will be considered. 

The primary responsibility of the role is to independently conduct and complete ODD reviews on a broad range of third-party investment managers and funds of Cerity Partners’ wealth management and outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) platforms.  The ideal candidate will have prior experience independently conducting ODD reviews, existing subject matter expertise, a general enthusiasm for the ODD field and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities outlined below represent the general scope and level of work assigned to the position.  As the firm and team requirements evolve, so could the nature and level of responsibility of this role.

Operational Due Diligence

• Independently conduct ODD reviews on third-party investment managers across multiple asset classes, investment strategies, geographies and jurisdictions.  Initiate reviews, gather and review related documentation, and conduct investment manager and related meetings either onsite or by videoconference.  Prepare ODD reports documenting key information, summarizing analysis and findings, and providing overall review recommendations.  Present ODD review findings to internal committee/s, as needed.
• Assist with other ODD team tasks and deliverables, including ad hoc and ongoing project work, as needed.
• Interact with Cerity Partners colleagues outside of the ODD team, including investment team members, Legal, Compliance and Accounting/Operations, in the context of the ODD process and as needed.
• Remain informed on industry developments applicable to ODD.

Frequent travel may be required, largely to meet with third party investment managers.  Travel is expected to be primarily in the United States, however some international travel may be required.

This role could be based in New York, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Denver or other offices or locations within the USA.  If office-based, it could require an in-office presence on a hybrid schedule, subject to change, with the option for remote work on other days.  The role could also be largely remote within the USA.

Private Funds Governance

The role will also require the successful candidate to assist with ad hoc or ongoing projects relating to private funds governance matters for Cerity Partners’ Private Markets Solutions Onboarding and Execution team, as needed.  Such work is expected to constitute an important component of the overall role.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Relevant advanced degree or industry qualification (CPA, CFA, CAIA) beneficial.
• Minimum of 3 years of Operational Due Diligence experience, with current ability to independently conduct ODD reviews, through presenting to internal committee/s, as applicable.
• Minimum of 5 years of overall work experience, ideally in the financial services industry.
• Knowledge of different asset classes (hedge funds, public markets, private markets, real assets), product types (private funds, mutual funds, other) and regulatory jurisdictions (primarily USA, with some international, including Europe).
• Strong knowledge of operational best practice, counterparties and service providers in the investment management industry.
• Proficient in detailed review of fund offering documents, financial statements, background checks and other widely-reviewed documents in the course of ODD reviews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, with accompanying analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently to deadline, while escalating pertinent items to applicable ODD team members as needed.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with senior members of third-party managers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, complex and fast-paced environment.

Company Overview:

Cerity Partners is a leading, national registered wealth management and institutional consulting firm serving high-net-worth individuals and their families, businesses and their employees, and nonprofit organizations from its offices across the country. Our in-house experts of attorneys, tax advisors, financial planners and investment professionals are passionate about and committed to providing objective financial advice and oversight.

Our mission is to positively impact the financial well-being of our clients by delivering objective financial advice.  Our culture allows us to deliver this mission.  We believe in a simple formula that drives our actions and pushes us every day to do better than the day before: People First + Accountability = Winning Outcomes. We expect our team members to deliver on their responsibilities, understand how every component of our company works to generate success, and hold themselves and their colleagues accountable to the highest standards. As a result, we will enjoy talking to you if:

• You understand the need to provide a world-class client experience
• You value the collaboration of insightful, experienced colleagues to deliver our services
• You demonstrate a strong affinity in financial services, exceptional communication, organization, and prioritization skills