Finance

Formed in 1974, Harvard Management Company (“HMC”) manages Harvard University's endowment and related financial assets. Our singular mission is to help ensure Harvard University has the financial resources to maintain and expand its leadership in teaching, learning, and research for future generations. The endowment is managed by a highly experienced generalist investment team whose members each take ownership of the entire portfolio, regardless of asset class. HMC's operational structure brings a wide range of expertise to our portfolio management. These functions include legal, compliance, finance and accounting, tax, human resources and administrative services as well as information technology to develop and implement the systems necessary to support our investment activities.

SUMMARY:

HMC’s Finance team works closely with the firm’s investment professionals and external fund managers, as well as HMC’s legal, tax, and operations teams to execute all of the investment activities for the portfolio. As a finance function, the team ensures the portfolio is properly controlled, which includes accounting and reporting on all portfolio activity. In addition, the team performs financial analysis and research into various elements of the investment portfolio, including performing diligence on new investment themes and opportunities, or broader analysis on market trends and events. 

The incumbent will have primary oversight responsibility over real assets fund investments (mainly real estate), as well as private credit and direct private equity company investments. The broader Finance team also supports hedge funds, public equity, private equity fund investments, and other investment strategies; as such this individual will gain a broad perspective over these investment strategies and will collaborate on portfolio-wide initiatives, as well as contribute towards coverage across asset classes. This is an exceptional growth opportunity for a talented individual seeking to take their career to the next level.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

·        Oversee the valuation, accounting, and reporting of the portfolio’s investments

·        Provide direction and guidance to HMC’s fund administrator on their execution of transactions and valuations to ensure accounting and performance records are maintained accurately and timely

·        Collaborate with team members and other functions across HMC to execute the monthly accounting period closes and analyze investment valuations and portfolio performance

·        Work closely with the investment and legal teams during deal closes, with a focus on structural analysis, and support portfolio investments throughout the entire trade lifecycle

·        Work closely with the compliance, legal, and tax teams to facilitate regulatory, tax, and other reporting

·        Perform technical analysis and research on ad-hoc portfolio matters, and actively engage across support functions at HMC, as well as with external service providers and 3rd party fund managers

·        Contribute towards a strong internal control environment that seeks to protect and safeguard Harvard’s financial assets and intellectual property

·        Ideate and help develop new technology-based solutions both independently and in a supporting capacity on larger projects by acting as a liaison to the information technology and business teams

·        Offer creativity in dealing with problem solving and idea development; flexibility in responding to a changing environment and daily workflow; and a value-added/efficiency approach to all tasks and projects

QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field; CPA license strongly preferred

·        Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required;

·        A foundation in Big 4 public accounting auditing asset management clients and similar investment entities is critical; a mix of public and other relevant industry experience, including private credit, is preferred

·        US GAAP & IFRS knowledge required; including thorough understanding of various valuation methodologies as well as fund accounting principles

·        Deep understanding of the investment industry, and proficiency with investment structures

·        Strong problem solving abilities to address challenges and provide strategic insights

·        Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data

·        Familiarity and comfort in reviewing and interpreting legal documents, including credit agreements

·        Ability to monitor and interpret loan covenants, including leverage and asset coverage ratios

·        Experience with recording and reconciling loan transactions, including initial recognition, interest accrual, and repayments, as well as ability to account for and amortize loan-related fees and expenses

·        Highly proficient with technology including advanced Excel skills; experience with AI prompt writing and Power BI a plus

·        Ability to work well under pressure, balance competing priorities, consistently meet deadlines, and deal with the unexpected, while operating under a hybrid model

·        Experience in leading people and promoting a supportive culture of collaboration, mentorship, and growth

·        Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas succinctly and confidently

·        Ability to develop strong relationships, founded in a mindset of value added service and thoughtful analysis

·        Demonstrated self-awareness, and ability to approach unique scenarios creatively, and with intellectual curiosity and the rigor to achieve superior outcomes to advance our mission

·        Highest level of integrity and character, self-motivated and takes initiative/pride in work, owns and follows-through on tasks, consistent attention to detail with high-quality output, a keen sense for process and system enhancements, and a commitment to overall operational excellence 

Other details:

·        The FLSA classification for this position is exempt

·        HMC is operating on a hybrid work model where employees are in the office from Tuesday to Thursday and remote on other days

·        HMC will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Interested candidates should apply online via https://www.hmc.harvard.edu/careers/