Sr. Associate - Investment Operations

Purpose of the Role The Senior Associate, Investment Operations, plays a vital role in bridging the operational responsibilities between the Associate and Manager roles. This position is responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of trade processing, data accuracy, compliance, and stakeholder coordination, while contributing to strategic initiatives. The role supports the team in improving efficiency, minimizing risks, and enhancing overall operational excellence. The Investment Operations Department is a core component of EIA’s Finance Department, tasked with ensuring the seamless execution and oversight of all investment-related activities. The department’s primary responsibilities include trade processing, portfolio reconciliation, performance reporting, compliance with regulatory frameworks, and risk management. Key Objectives Maintain operational excellence to support EIA’s dual mandate of financial returns and economic development. Leverage cutting-edge technology and data analytics to streamline processes and enhance decision-making. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational activities. Responsibilities Strategic Responsibilities Support the Investment Operations Manager in implementing departmental goals aligned with EIA’s strategic objectives. Identify opportunities for process improvement and support the implementation of automation and innovation initiatives. Act as a key contributor to the Strategy Refresh (SR) program by driving initiatives related to operational enhancements and efficiency Core Responsibilities Transaction Processing and Settlement Execute and verify trades across multiple asset classes, including equities, fixed income, private equity, and alternative investments. Collaborate with custodians, brokers, and internal teams to ensure accurate trade settlement and reconciliation. Monitor and escalate discrepancies in transaction confirmations or settlements, ensuring timely resolution. Maintain accurate and comprehensive transaction records to establish an effective audit trail. Reconciliation and Data Management Perform daily reconciliation of cash, positions, and transactions to ensure data accuracy and resolve variances. Assist in inputting, validating, and verifying source data within portfolio and performance management systems. Partner with the Manager to enhance data integrity through system enhancements and the use of analytical tools. Support the organization and maintenance of historical data archives, ensuring accessibility and accuracy. Investment Pricing and Corporate Actions Validate asset pricing from approved sources and assist in monthly revaluations. Track, record, and report corporate actions, ensuring timely communication with relevant teams. Provide inputs for forecasting corporate actions and dividend flows to support strategic planning and decision-making. Global Custody and Treasury Support Assist in managing relationships with global custodians to ensure efficient service delivery. Contribute to the preparation of daily cash flow forecasts and collaborate with the Treasury team to manage liquidity effectively. Support the coordination of account openings, closings, and tax compliance matters related to custody operations. Compliance and Risk Management Ensure adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements by preparing and reviewing AML/KYC documentation. Monitor outsourced service providers to verify compliance with established standards and regulations. Work with the Manager to implement risk mitigation strategies and escalate potential risks proactively. Reporting and Analysis Generate accurate performance reports, cash flow summaries, and dashboards for review by senior management. Tailor reports to meet the needs of executive and board-level stakeholders. Conduct research and analysis to identify opportunities for cost reductions and process efficiency improvements. People Management Provide guidance and training to Associates on operational procedures and best practices. Act as a resource for team members, sharing expertise in transaction processing, reconciliation, and compliance. Support the Manager in fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment Requirements Education Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., CFA Level 1, CIPM, or equivalent) are a plus. Experience Minimum 8 years of experience in investment operations, asset management, or financial services. Direct experience with multi-asset class operations, including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. Familiarity with SPV formation, KYC/AML requirements, and compliance frameworks. Technical Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Proficiency in trade processing, settlement, and reconciliation workflows. Strong understanding of financial instruments including equities, fixed income, derivatives, and alternative investments. Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance in asset management. Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and familiarity with portfolio management systems (e.g., Bloomberg, Aladdin). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with internal and external stakeholders.