Senior Fund Operations Analyst | London, UK

The EMEA Fund Operations Team provides operational and administrative support to Russell Investments' fund complexes and client accounts. A principal focus is on the oversight of accounting, custody, and administration activities, which are outsourced to third-party service providers. Responsibilities include daily monitoring of fund valuations and the production of fund prices, acting as the escalation point for any issues. There is also liaison with the multiple investment managers trading for the fund and client portfolios. The team provides operational support to all areas within Russell Investments business lines, including portfolio managers, client relationship managers, together with compliance, risk, legal and other support functions. There is a close working relationship with the Product Solutions Team to implement new business initiatives such as the launching of new funds.

The Senior Fund Operations Analyst role performs a variety of specific activities with a particular focus on fund accounting, financial reporting and regulatory reporting oversight. In addition, the role provides the opportunity to support new business, regulatory and other initiatives. The analyst is expected to become involved in additional tasks and projects as required.

The responsibilities of the individual in this position include:

• Regulatory & Business conduct: Displaying exemplary conduct and living by our organisations Code of Conduct. Taking personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct across the business. Effectively and collaboratively identifying, escalating, mitigating, and resolving risk, conduct and compliance.
• Controls and Oversight: Assisting with the oversight of the Team's processes and control functions, this will include evaluating current procedures and various checklists and the preparation of risk assessment for various functions within the team. Assisting in the preparation of board materials for the various Boards and Committees. Fielding and coordinating responses to audit queries. Ensuring accurate and timely information is provided to external auditors during their review of financial statements.
• Fund Accounting: Oversight of fund accounting activities including NAV oversight and expense management. Reviewing NAV deliverables, working closely with third party administrators and internal Risk team to investigate the root cause of any NAV errors that may occur. Assessing their impact and ensuring robust corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence. Assisting with the fund's tax oversight activities including recoverable withholding tax. Assisting with various activities in relation to fund expenses and fund budgets, including analysis and reporting of fund Ongoing Charge figures and transaction costs. Preparation of materials for the Securities Valuation Committee. Oversight of fund distribution calculations and payments Reviewing performance fee calculations.
• Support New Business and Fund Launches: Assisting with new business initiatives such as the launch, closure, or merger of funds. Assessing the operational impact and requirements. Working with third-party providers to ensure smooth implementation, with any new procedures and processes put in place. Oversight of Market Openings.
• Third Party Providers: Oversight of third-party service providers including fund administrators and custodians. Analysing monthly data to identify trends or issues as they arise. Taking a pro-active role in the reporting and resolution of issues and identifying service improvements where possible.

The successful candidate will have extensive demonstrable skills and experiences including the following:

• Relevant BSC/BA (Mathematics / Economics / Accounting or similar) or equivalent skills / experience.
• Fund accounting experience gained within an asset manager or third-party administrator.
• Excellent PC skills in both Microsoft Excel and Word (Macros skills is desirable).
• Able to transfer thoughts and express ideas or concepts clearly and accurately in either one-to-one or group situations.
• Communicates in writing concisely, in a manner that is appropriate to the intended audience.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Excellent client service skills (oral and written).
• Promotes and facilitates the work of a group as well as contributing as a productive member of the team.
• Pays particular attention to detail and produces accurate data/work.
• Uncovers and meets the needs of both the internal and external clients.
• Maintains regular contact and builds strong working partnerships with clients and suppliers.
• Effectively manages client expectations and delivers value-added service.
• Flexible approach to working hours to meet deadlines during peak periods.
• Ability to work under pressure.