Investment Operations Managers oversee the infrastructure that supports financial trading and portfolio administration. Their daily work revolves around monitoring trade flows, resolving complex breaks in cash or security positions, validating net asset values, and tracking corporate actions across multi-custodian platforms. The operating rhythm is closely tied to financial market hours and strict end-of-day valuation deadlines, requiring swift escalation management and constant coordination with portfolio managers, brokers, and external administrators.The environment demands high accuracy, strict compliance adherence, and structured problem-solving under time-sensitive constraints. Professionals who excel in this field typically demonstrate strong analytical thinking, clear communication skills, and comfort navigating complex accounting systems and regulatory rules. They balance daily transaction oversight with strategic initiatives such as workflow automation, vendor oversight, and system implementations.
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Responsibilities
Oversee daily trade, cash, and position reconciliations across internal accounting systems, custodian banks, and prime brokers.
Supervise, mentor, and allocate workloads for middle- and back-office operations teams and operational associates.
Manage the processing of corporate actions, asset transfers, and client onboarding workflows.
Maintain operational control frameworks to minimize transaction risk and ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
Coordinate with custodians, clearing firms, and external administrators to investigate and resolve operational discrepancies.
Review portfolio accounting data, investment book of record entries, and net asset value calculations for reporting accuracy.
Lead continuous improvement projects, including the integration of automation tools and portfolio accounting software.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Substantial experience in investment operations, fund administration, or broker-dealer middle- and back-office environments.
Proven experience supervising, mentoring, or leading operational personnel.
In-depth knowledge of financial instruments, trade lifecycles, and reconciliation procedures.
Demonstrated ability to manage operational risks and establish internal control frameworks.
Nice to Have
Professional accounting credentials such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA).
FINRA licensing such as Series 7, 24, 66, or Series 9/10.
Experience with investment book of record (IBOR) systems and financial workflow automation tools.
Environment
Standard office setting with frequent hybrid work arrangements common across financial institutions.
Work schedule structured around global market hours, clearing deadlines, and end-of-month reporting cycles.
Collaborative dynamic requiring regular communication with traders, portfolio managers, compliance officers, and custodian banks.
Routine reliance on portfolio accounting software, custodian platforms, and reconciliation engines.
Benefits & Growth
Compensation typically includes a base salary paired with annual performance-based bonuses tied to firm profitability.
Clear advancement paths into executive operational roles, including Director of Operations or Chief Operating Officer.
Support for professional development, continuing education, and regulatory licensing programs.
Broad exposure to diverse asset classes, fostering mobility across hedge funds, wealth management, and clearing firms.