Operational Due Diligence Analyst (Finance)

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

50 South Capital is an alternatives asset management firm designed to meet the core strategic needs of investors seeking access to hedge funds, private equity and private credit. It develops comprehensive investment solutions and services designed to meet alternatives investors' risk and return expectations. Its highly experienced team works closely with a wide range of investors to fulfill specific investment objectives and create lasting relationships. 50 South Capital's investment philosophy focuses on providing access to managers with differentiated sources of return.

50 South Capital is looking for an Alternatives Operations Analyst to help with the operations of our growing private markets business. 50 South Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Trust with current assets of over $15 Billion in Alternative Fund of Funds and Advisory Custom Accounts. We have a dynamic team of about 55 employees with diverse backgrounds and experience and looking for a candidate that likes a fast pace and engaging environment.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an Operational Due Diligence Analyst to conduct thorough operational risk assessments of potential private capital investments into Buyout, Venture and Private Credit Managers. This includes both prospective (new) and current (existing) underlying Managers.

The successful candidate will evaluate the operational strengths and weaknesses of target Managers, identify potential risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations to the various private equity investment teams and the investment committee.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Work with Investment Teams to prioritize and scope the Operational Due Diligence on new and existing Managers
• Conduct Operational Due Diligence, which includes gathering and reviewing prospective and currently underlying manager information and data (e.g., policies/procedures), reviewing financial statements, offering documents, etc., performing on-site/conference call interviews, interviewing both key Non-Investment Personnel as well key service providers to assess the operational capabilities, risks, and opportunities.
• Review background checks of key personnel of prospective and current underlying managers
• Evaluate Operational Performance by analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmark against industry peers, and identify areas for improvement. Including such areas as Sustainability/ESG, or Responsible Investing
• Assess Organizational Structure by evaluating management team strength, organizational design, and talent acquisition/retention strategies. Including how managers incorporate diversity and inclusion into their hiring process.
• Flag potential operational risks and/or internal control/structural weaknesses and concerns, such as improper segregation of duties, inadequate valuation policies/procedures, quality and scope of key service providers, poor compliance/regulatory framework, or informational technology infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Develop recommendations and summaries that are presented to the investment team and investment committee, highlighting key findings and recommendations, as well as providing timely feedback/recommendations to the Managers.
• Collaborate with Investment Team: Work closely with investment professionals to integrate operational findings into the overall investment thesis. Participate in ad-hoc projects requested by Management
• Maintain Industry Knowledge: Stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and emerging risks.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong investment operations and/or accounting knowledge (private equity and private credit)
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Role interfaces with both front office advisors and middle/back-office teams, so experience/understanding of operations across front/middle/back office is important
• Well organized, detail oriented and disciplined in approach
• Proven leadership and organizational skills to manage across disciplines required
• Prior experience with alternative investments or investment operations required
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Willingness to travel, domestically and globally

Necessary Experience and Education:

The successful candidate will benefit from having:

• Bachelor's degree required with emphasis in finance, accounting or economics preferred
• 5-7 years of relevant work experience (e.g., operational due diligence) or in investment/asset management (e.g., portfolio management, front office operations, program management, alternative investments operations/accounting)

Salary Range:
$88,900 - 151,100 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world's most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com .

We hope you're excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.