Director, Alternative Investment Funds

SEI•Boston, MA

3d•$150,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

SEI’s Investment Manager Services Division (IMS) is hiring a Director to support a significant new client relationship in its alternative investment business. The position combines private markets expertise, fund accounting leadership, and direct client engagement, including a major implementation and development of a long-term client relationship. The Director has operational ownership of a portfolio of service relationships and is accountable for day-to-day delivery of accounting services and overall operations in accordance with the unit’s vision, goals, policies, and corporate standards. The Director leads operations and service delivery across fund accounting, shareholder reporting, and administration. This includes overseeing transaction initiation and service requests across multiple channels, supervising managers and supervisors, training staff, and developing procedures to improve service quality and operational efficiency. The role collaborates with SEI teams, clients, auditors, vendors, and other stakeholders to provide standardized, efficient, cost-focused service. The Director also provides senior client and technical support, oversees fund administration and operational controls, and leads departmental planning, staffing, performance management, and development. In certain circumstances, the Director may serve as Chief Financial Officer of client funds. The position is based in the greater Boston metro area and is described as having a hybrid working environment.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 10 years of proven operations management experience leading multiple teams in a changing environment, or at least 6 years at a public accounting firm with specific financial services experience.
Significant direct, relevant experience accounting for mutual funds and other unitized pooled investment vehicles.
Strong knowledge of security trading practices in a back-office environment.
Genuine familiarity with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Experience reviewing fund financial statements and understanding of U.S. GAAP for investment companies and related reporting requirements.
Proven track record of successfully managing operational teams or departments.

Nice To Haves

CPA preferred.
Drive to broaden financial services industry knowledge by learning new concepts and systems and applying them to daily work.
Attention to detail and commitment to high standards of quality and accuracy.
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and adapt as client needs change.
Positive, collegial approach and ability to work in a team environment.
Curiosity, critical thinking, and interest in solving problems and implementing efficient processes.
Commitment to SEI values of courage, integrity, collaboration, inclusion, connection, and fun.

Responsibilities

Own and lead day-to-day tactical accounting operations for a portfolio of client service relationships.
Coordinate with senior operations officers, other directors and unit personnel, SEI teams, clients, auditors, and vendors to deliver efficient, standardized, cost-focused services.
Direct operations functions, including transaction initiation and service requests through multiple channels, and training through supervision of managers and supervisors.
Develop and implement procedures and policies to maintain or enhance client service, quality, operational efficiency, and corporate-standard processes.
Understand, communicate, and resolve client issues in partnership with SEI Relationship Teams.
Ensure delivery and quality of fund accounting, shareholder reporting, and administration services according to client-specific service models.
Serve as a senior technical and operational resource for clients and interact with associated boards of directors or trustees.
Serve as Chief Financial Officer of client funds in certain circumstances.
Identify, interpret, apply, and communicate accounting and industry rules and regulations, and adjust operational services in response to investment-management industry trends.
Create, communicate, monitor, and reinforce departmental vision, goals, and objectives; participate in senior management meetings and initiatives.
Promote integration of the Fund Accounting Department with other SEI business lines and participate in management training and staff development.
Set and enforce departmental policies; develop team goals and action plans, review priorities, and monitor progress.
Conduct performance appraisals and monthly one-on-ones with analysts and supervisors; provide career pathing and training; participate in hiring; and support individual development, promotions, and disciplinary action.
Participate in or lead departmental projects and identify process improvements through professional development and collaboration.
Review fund financial statements, fund documents, regulatory filings, budgets, and pro-forma analyses.
Work with Tax and Legal Departments on unique issues and lead changes intended to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure client service meets or exceeds expectations; monitor service and quality indicators and establish goals.
Provide daily oversight and review of significant fund-level threshold deviations; manage staff resources for client coverage and service.
Set policies and procedures for the departmental operational control environment.
Monitor third-party vendor performance related to daily operations and oversee the progress of annual fund audits.
Write and coordinate fund accounting-related responses to RFPs and RFIs.

Benefits

Healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
Wellness programs and employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Life and disability insurance, with premiums paid for base coverage
401(k) match
Tuition reimbursement and education assistance
Commuter benefits
Up to 11 paid holidays per year
At least 21 days of paid time off per year, pro-rated for new hires and increasing over time
Paid parental leave (the posting cites 15 days in one section)
Back-up childcare arrangements
Paid volunteer days
Discounted stock purchase plan
Investment options
Employee networks
Hybrid working environment
Support for working parents