Advisor, Operational Due Diligence

Public Sector Pension Investment Board • Montreal, QC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Advisor, Operational Due Diligence will provide support in operational due diligence (“ODD”) efforts of external managers in public and private markets by conducting monitoring activities, focused analysis and operational due diligence reviews. This role involves participating in ODD reviews of external managers/partners across all asset classes, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with the ODD framework. The position also contributes to the oversight of processes, procedures, controls, technology platforms, and third-party service providers associated with ODD. A key aspect of the role is driving the enhancement and redesign of processes, frameworks, technology, roles, and responsibilities to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The Advisor will also contribute to the development of data and metrics for meaningful insights and proactively identify, escalate, and recommend remediation for issues impacting the risk posture of external manager relationships. Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and business partners is crucial.

Requirements

• University degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience)
• Minimum of seven (7) years in audit, internal controls, risk or compliance
• Minimum three (3) years in operational due diligence
• Good understanding of financial instruments
• Good understanding of the financial services sector
• Good knowledge of control objectives and testing (i.e., similar to audit reviews)
• Good understanding of compliance obligations of registered advisers
• Strong IT process and governance background
• Leadership, initiative, proactivity and forward thinking
• Project management skills, flexibility, and ability to multitask and adapt to a changing environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Thoughtfulness, attention to detail and methodical approach
• Diplomacy and excellent communication and relationship-management skills
• Team spirit and ability to develop effective working relations based on collaboration and a positive attitude
• Sense of responsibility and accountability
• Strong work ethic and professional integrity
• Bilingualism: English and French (frequent interactions in English with PSP employees based in our offices in Hong Kong, London and New York, and interactions in French with employees in our local offices in Montreal and Ottawa)

Responsibilities

• Participate in operational due diligence reviews of external managers/partners across all asset classes under ODD scope, ensuring quality, consistency and alignment with the ODD framework
• Contribute to the oversight of processes, procedures and controls as well as technology platforms and third-party service providers associated with ODD
• Drive the enhancement, redesign of process and/or framework, technology, roles and responsibilities that would enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the core activities
• Contribute in the development of data, metrics that deliver meaningful insights and information
• Proactively identify, escalate, and recommend remediation for issues and matters that may impact the risk posture of external manager relationships, engaging senior ODD team members as needed
• Build and maintain strong relationships and share information with stakeholders and business partners
• Apply the ODD framework, review, analyze and assess due diligence questionnaires and supporting documentation
• Coordinate, conduct or participate in operational due diligence reviews of external managers
• Evaluate accounting, financial and reporting processes and controls (segregation of duties, cash management, valuation practices, trading errors, expense recharges, outsourcing, etc.)
• Write and/or review due diligence reports containing comprehensive information and analyses related to the operational environment and operational risks
• Participate in ongoing monitoring of external managers
• Participate in/Brief and advise stakeholders on findings/recommendations, as needed
• Keep abreast of compliance, operational due diligence and regulatory initiatives globally and develop sufficient expertise to evaluate and challenge third parties’ practices
• Ensure and continuously improve procedures, workflows, checklists are in place and up to date for core activities; ensure controls are performed according to corporate procedures

Benefits

• Investment in career development
• Comprehensive group insurance plans
• Competitive pension plans
• Unlimited access to virtual healthcare services and wellness programs
• Gender-inclusive paid family leave policy: up to 26 weeks for primary caregivers, 5 weeks for secondary caregivers
• A personalized family-building support, from pre-pregnancy to menopause, with available financial assistance
• Vacation days available on day one with additional days on milestone service anniversaries, and summer Friday afternoons off
• A hybrid work model with a mix of in-office and remote days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level