At a Glance
- Tasks: Contribute to investment valuations and collaborate with a diverse team of experts.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health services, and personal development support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while learning from industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in investment valuations and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.
About the role
In your role as Valuation Analyst you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to assist in the performance of investment valuations (primarily illiquid equity and credit interests) and valuation control activity for the Investment segment of USS.
What you will be doing:
- Building a thorough commercial understanding of the scheme’s illiquid equity and credit investments
- Performance of quarterly (and occasional ad hoc) valuations of illiquid credit and equity asset investments
- Drafting of valuation reports in line with regular valuation timetable
- Formulating robust and defensible valuation opinions
- Preliminary review and analysis of business plans and cash flow models
- Development and update of valuation models
- Collation of underlying financial data from investment managers, providing relevant challenge where necessary
- Performance of monthly valuation roll-forward process between quarters
- Working with the asset management teams (Private Markets Group) to gain an understanding of assets and key developments, and collating relevant management information
- Preparation of valuation reports and committee submissions
- Assistance in the performance of valuation due diligence reviews
- Communication of key valuation judgements and conclusions to stakeholders
- Documentation (and, where appropriate, enhancement) of valuation procedures and controls
- Performance of administrative duties for the Investment Valuations function
- Interacting and liaising with financial control and operations functions for certain key processes and ad hoc queries (e.g., cash flow adjustments, SPV accounting adjustments etc.)
- Assisting with the performance and delivery of internal project work
- Assisting external valuation advisers with the performance of the external valuation process
- Assisting external auditors in the financial audit process
About you:
- Experience of performing business, equity, and/or credit investment valuations as the primary function of a previous or existing role
- Excellent level of Excel skills
- Experience of dealing with external clients or influencing at senior level within an organisation
- Experience of working within investment management, infrastructure or pensions industries in a finance or analyst role
- Professionally Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or other relevant financial qualification with significant exposure to investment appraisal techniques (e.g. CFA)
- Experience of performing fixed income / bond valuations in a previous or existing role
- Financial modelling experience, working with integrated forecast models for large businesses
- Prior experience of performing financial due diligence assignments
How we will reward you:
- Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
USSIM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.
Valuation Associate employer: USS
At USS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. As a Valuation Associate, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and access to a comprehensive pension scheme, alongside numerous learning opportunities and support for your wellbeing. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Valuation Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at USS. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your valuation knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with illiquid equity and credit investments, and don’t forget to showcase your Excel skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role! When you get the chance to speak with someone from USS, let them know why you’re excited about the Valuation Associate position and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the USS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Valuation Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Valuation Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with investment valuations in your application. We want to see how you've tackled similar challenges before, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples!
Excel is Key:Since this role requires excellent Excel skills, it’s a good idea to mention any relevant projects or tasks where you’ve used Excel extensively. We love seeing how you can manipulate data and create models!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the job description. We appreciate when candidates connect their experiences directly to what we’re looking for, so make it personal and relevant!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at USS
✨Know Your Valuation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of illiquid equity and credit investments. Be ready to discuss your previous experience with valuations, especially in relation to fixed income or bond valuations. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since this role requires excellent Excel skills, practice using advanced functions and financial modelling techniques. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've used Excel in past roles to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Communication
Think about how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you communicated key valuation judgements and conclusions effectively. This will highlight your ability to work collaboratively within a team.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with USS and its investment strategies. Understanding the scheme’s objectives and how your role as a Valuation Associate fits into the larger picture will help you articulate your value to the team and show your genuine interest in the position.
