Senior Alternative Investments Operations Associate

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Under very limited direction and with a high level of autonomy, leads critical aspects of the operational support model for Raymond James alternative investment offerings sourced through the Global Equities and Investment Banking (GEIB) channel. Including new product onboarding and launch, client transaction processing, ongoing servicing, issue resolution, control oversight, process enhancement, and, when applicable, termination of investment support. Serves as a senior subject matter expert and escalation resource for Financial Advisors, senior leadership, fund sponsors, internal business partners, and operations associates in resolving complex operational matters.

Partners across multiple business areas to ensure new offerings are launched in a structured and effective manner and that existing products continue to meet client and business needs. Proactively identifies and resolves operational roadblocks, strengthens controls, improves workflows, mentors associates, and leads initiatives designed to reduce risk and enhance the advisor and client experiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operational support for assigned GEIB offerings, ensuring processes are executed accurately and consistently.

• Lead onboarding and launches of new GEIB offerings, partnering with multiple business areas and third-party partners to support the optimal advisor and client experience.

• Troubleshoot complex issues and resolve operational roadblocks while maintaining regular communication with management and internal business partners to identify, research, escalate, and drive issues to resolution.

• Serve as a senior operational subject matter expert for GEIB offerings.

• Own and resolve complex inquiries from financial advisors, fund sponsors, senior leadership, internal departments, and team members, providing clear guidance and timely follow-up.

• Evaluate opportunities to create efficiencies and improve service while strengthening controls and mitigating risk.

• Lead initiatives and partner with technology on process improvement, reporting, workflow automation, and risk mitigation projects.

• Oversee core alternative investment activities for GEIB offerings, including subscriptions, suitability, valuations, commissions, redemptions, reconciliations, and other activities as applicable.

• Lead suspense, accrual, revenue share, invoice, and other reconciliations as applicable for GEIB-related transactions.

• Develop and maintain procedures, controls, training materials, and workflow guidance.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Alternative investment operations, servicing, and controls.

• Alternative investment structures, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and others.

• Investment concepts, practices, and procedures used in the securities industry.

• Securities industry concepts, financial markets, banking, and finance.

• Partnership accounting, valuation, NAV, and related reporting controls.

• FINRA and SEC requirements applicable to alternative investments.

• Advanced Microsoft Office, Excel, Access, and reporting tools such as Tableau and Qlik.

• Database and technology concepts and their application to operational processes.

• Artificial intelligence and automation tools and their practical use in improving efficiency, strengthening controls, and identifying process-improvement opportunities.

Skill in

• Managing complex priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

• Critical thinking and independent problem solving.

• Clear and precise verbal and written communication.

• Researching and resolving complex operational issues.

• Interpreting policies, regulations, procedures, and fund documentation.

• Developing efficient, scalable processes and controls.

• Identifying operational risks, trends, and control weaknesses.

• Preparing reports, recommendations, and presentations.

• Evaluating third-party operational practices and controls.

Ability to

• Lead offering launches and operational initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, priorities, and dependencies.

• Build effective partnerships across many business functions.

• Identify operational roadblocks, determine root causes, develop solutions, and drive issues through resolution.

• Employ database, technology, automation, and artificial intelligence concepts to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes.

• Read and interpret legal and investment documents.

• Analyze financial and operational information, identify trends and relationships, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

• Lead meetings, facilitate decision-making, establish accountability, and ensure follow-up items are completed.

• Effectively prioritize work under stress and pressure when faced with high workloads and deadlines

• Communicate complex information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Lead others in delivering a high level of service to all parties.

• Work independently while developing and maintaining effective relationships

Educational / Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field and a minimum of five years of relevant experience in alternative investments, brokerage operations, fund administration, custody, or financial services operations, including demonstrated experience leading processes, projects, product implementations, or team-level initiatives; or

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience approved by Human Resources.

Licenses / Certifications

• SIE required, provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.

• Series 7 or Series 99 preferred; if applicable to the role, ability to obtain the appropriate registration within one year in accordance with FINRA requirements.

• CAIA preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s: Accounting, Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Finance

Work Experience

General Experience - 3 to 6 years

Certifications

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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