Manager, Investment Operations

The Manager, Investment Operations, is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of investment transactions, investment accounting, and monitoring of the Plan’s portfolio. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the timely delivery and monitoring of investment, accurate recording of investment expenses and distributions, review of valuation and prices at the custodians, investment reporting, and reconciling and resolving accounting entries. The role requires strong experience in private markets with the incumbent expected to have ongoing interactions with external portfolio managers and various service providers.   

UPP has adopted a Hybrid Work Model which allows staff the flexibility to work remotely with the opportunity to work in person at the office 2 days a week. Our office is located in downtown Toronto. 

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

Investment Reporting 

• Review detailed reports on private investment portfolios and valuations, demonstrating a deep understanding of private markets dynamics. 
• Conduct thorough reviews of month-end review packages of private investments and other accounts, integrating controls into review processes, to ensure accuracy, consistency and compliance with accounting policies and procedures. 
• Collaborate with fund administrator and service provider to address any discrepancies promptly. 
• Supervise the preparation of weekly and quarterly private outstanding commitments tracking and forecasts. 
• Lead the team to utilize technology and systems to design/optimize reports that can be assembled and distributed efficiently. 
• Collaborative with Corporate Finance to ensure investment accounting data is successfully reflected on the financial statements and notes. 
• Facilitate ad hoc reporting requests from internal stakeholders, senior management, and investment teams 
• Interact with various external professionals and service providers including auditors and consultants that require customized investment information. 

Investment Operations

• Maintain an ongoing collaborative working relationship with fund administrator and service providers to ensure timely recording of transactions. 
• Provide hands-on oversight of daily financial transactions, ensure timely and accurate processing. 
• Monitor investment-related activities, such as capital calls, distributions and investment entries. 
• Assist in the onboarding and integration of external university pension plans into the UPP investment operations and portfolio structure. 
• Assist in the onboarding of new external managers including opening new accounts at the custodian. 
• Manage and assist with the deal closing process from an operational perspective to ensure timely and accurate funding for deal close. 
• Manage business relations with various internal business partners such as Investment Team, Corporate Finance to ensure collaborative partnership. 
• Assist in audits and respond to inquiries from auditors. 

Team Management

• Lead a team on private investment operations, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluation.
• Allocate responsibilities effectively, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to deadlines.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and growth-oriented work environment. 

Controls

• Recommend operational efficiency improvements where possible. 
• Perform appropriate reviews to ensure the data used for reports is accurate. 
• Implement controls to ensure data integrity and satisfy audit requirements. 
• Ensure all external managers meet their reporting requirements. 
• Ensure policy and procedures are adhered to and updated as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field, complemented by 4-5+ years of experience in investment finance, with a focus on private markets. 
• Professional certifications such as CPA or CFA is considered an asset. 
• Strong understanding of investment accounting and fund accounting standards and reporting practices.  
• Demonstrated leadership experience with leading people either directly or indirectly, with track record of successful coaching. 
• Strong computer skills including solid grasp of MS Office applications and advanced Excel skills. 
• Demonstrate ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with service partners (fund administrators, custodians, external managers, and so on) 

ATTRIBUTES:

• Resilient, positive leadership style, able to inspire confidence and respect.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable to changing priorities and new challenges.
• Detail oriented professional with high ethical standards
• Strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
• Ability to work independently and collaborate in a team environment.
• Proactive to take a hands-on approach to learn about current processes to automate and formulate recommendations to improve efficiency and shape future state.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and prioritize to effectively manage tasks to completion within required timeframes.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.