Investment Operations Analyst - Private Markets & Hedge Funds

OUR AGENCY Making a Difference SWIB is a trusted and skilled global investment organization managing the assets of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and other separately managed funds.

With over $140 billion in total assets under management, SWIB has been recognized by the investment industry for its teamwork and innovation that helps make it a premier asset manager.

Sophisticated investment management strategies, forward-looking technologies, and strong internal asset management make SWIB a leading investment organization.

For public employees in Wisconsin, SWIB is a unique and valuable partner. Investing for the financial security of more than 652,000 individuals and for the 1,500 Wisconsin employers who contribute on behalf of their employees SWIB’s strong management of the WRS has helped fuel one of only a few fully funded public pension funds in the country.

SWIB’s long-term investment returns meet the challenges of a constantly evolving investment landscape while helping grow and protect the assets of the WRS, the 8th largest public pension fund in the U.

S. and the 25th largest public or private pension fund in the world. We are a mission-driven organization and the participants we serve are our mission.

By bringing a disciplined, prudent, and innovative approach to market opportunities, SWIB has been successful in generating respectable returns and maintaining the trust of the beneficiaries and stakeholders of the funds we oversee.

Join HIGHER PERFORMERS Home to Top Talent SWIB has long been recognized as an investment leader because of its success in maintaining the WRS and because of the highly qualified staff overseeing the retirement trust funds.

SWIB is committed to investing in professionals that will keep the organization at the forefront of the investment industry.

As an innovative organization, SWIB offers professional development opportunities that enable staff to grow and develop.

Approximately 61 percent of SWIB’s investment professionals are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holders. About the Team The Private Markets and Funds Alpha Operations team is responsible for providing operational support for SWIB’s Private Market and externally managed Fund investments.

With a diverse mix of private equity, real estate, private debt, externally managed hedge funds, equity funds and fixed income funds, members of the team support a wide spectrum of assets and strategies.

The Senior Analyst - Investment Operations - Private Equity, Real Estate, Hedge Funds is responsible for providing middle office and back-office support for private equity and real estate holdings and other externally managed fund investments, including investment and portfolio level accounting and operational support, oversight of third-party service providers, and serving as an escalation point for data stewardship.

Position Overview The Investment Operations Analyst will be responsible for onboarding, recording transactions and analyzing complex, non-traditional investments that involve non-standard contracts, cash flow processing, valuations and document management throughout the investment lifecycle.

This individual will work closely with internal front office, external portfolio managers, general partners, and custodial staff to support the timely settlement and accurate recording of private market cash flows and other transactions.

As a senior-level role, this position is also responsible for advising and assisting junior staff with training and ongoing support. Essential activities :

• Support new business by working closely with internal front office, legal, external portfolio managers, and custodial staff for the initial investments, wire instructions, timely settlement and accurate recording of private market cash flow and other transactions.
• Provide portfolio support through analyzing and maintaining complex, non-traditional investments that involve non-standard contracts, transaction processing, valuations, investment and operational due diligence reports, and documentation.
• Provide first level investment team support regarding data quality issues, settlement issues and working closely with third party service providers, performance data management and technology teams.
• Work with technology and other shared support teams to assist in designing, building and testing systems to automate and / or enhance investment data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Develop and / or monitor operational metrics and measures. Work to identify and implement opportunities to improve service quality and operating efficiency, optimize costs, and mitigate operational risk.
• Serve as operational support for organizational strategic and departmental initiatives and projects.
• Identify, develop and promote process documentation, policies, and procedures that support the quality and effectiveness of investment operations and fund accounting data.
• Work collaboratively with internal auditors and other operation heads in developing and maintaining a strong control environment.

The ideal candidate :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in private equity, real estate and / or hedge funds middle office, back office, and / or performance in an investment operations role with demonstrated ability to gain client trust.
• Strong analytical skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong Excel skills, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office suite programs (Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Ability to oversee third party services, measure and monitor performance against agreed upon services, and engage action for sub standard performance or to enhance new services benefitting SWIB.
• Customer service-oriented approach toward internal and external customers
• Experience identifying and maintaining sound internal control and data quality environment.
• Superb work ethic, attention to detail, team orientation, and commitment to excellence
• Experience with eFront System and alternative investment third party services is a plus.

SWIB Offers :

• Competitive McLagan-based total cash compensation
• A comprehensive benefit package
• Educational and training opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Challenging work in a professional environment

The position requires U.S. work authorization. Pursuant to our Hybrid Remote Work Policy, all staff have the flexibility to work remotely, but are required to have a weekly presence in our offices, the frequency of which is dependent on their distance from office.

Staff are not required to reside locally; however, we offer relocation reimbursement to the Dane County area per our policy.