Investment Operations & Finance Specialist – Lead Associate

Willis Towers Watson; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm in Toronto is seeking a Lead Analyst for the Third Party Oversight team. This role involves key responsibilities in investment operations, requiring 3–5 years of experience and a strong background in financial instruments. The ideal candidate will demonstrate analytical skills and attention to detail, and must be proficient in Excel. This position offers opportunities for collaboration and professional growth within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in investment operations or fund administration.
• Strong understanding of financial instruments and experience with Canadian funds.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft products, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Review NAVs of funds and undertake associated tasks.
• Support oversight of service providers and resolve issues.
• Ensure deliverables are managed to deadlines and in accordance with SLAs.
• Manage fund activities such as tax reclaims and fund expenses.
• Collaborate with internal teams like Portfolio Management and Trade Management.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

WTW is hiring a Lead Analyst to join our Third Party Oversight team in Toronto, supporting our Delegated Investment Solutions (OCIO) business for institutional investors. You'll join our global Third-Party Oversight team and bring strong attention to detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a solid understanding of the importance of investment operations to oversee investment manager, trustee/custodian relationships and services and also manage various tasks completed in the operation of pooled fund. In return, you’ll gain exposure to a global institutional investment operations environment, collaborate with experienced professionals, and build a strong foundation for long-term career growth in finance.

The Role

• Review the NAV’s of the funds and undertake the associated tasks
• Support the oversight of our service providers by working with the global team to resolve issues and help improve the service.
• Ensure deliverables are managed to deadlines and in accordance with service level agreements (SLA)
• Attend and participate in monthly service calls with providers, reviewing the key performance indicators (KPI’s) in advance and raising any discrepancies
• Review and update team users on custody and manager portals
• Act as the main operational Services Contact for one of our largest clients, assisting with queries
• Manage fund activities such as fund tax reclaims, assist with tax filings such as T3s and RC7294, reviewing and setting fund expenses and accruals and handling occasional special deposits
• Assist in the creation of semi-annual and annual fund financials
• Asist the Compliance team with regulatory filings such as OSC filings
• Execute a variety of investment operations tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as Portfolio Management, Middle Office, Trade Management and Onboarding
• Contribute to the development and implementation of process improvements and automation initiatives.
• Provide coverage and support for colleagues in the same role located in the US and UK during periods of absence or increased demand
• Maintain and update procedural documentation to reflect current processes.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across the Global Operations group and other internal stakeholders.
• Adapt to new challenges and evolving business needs, seeking clarification from management when necessary.

Qualifications

The Requirements

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in investment operations, fund administration/accounting, or a similar role all within an asset management firm.
• Strong understanding and interest in financial instruments and have experience with Canadian funds. Familiarity with the operation of US and European funds would be an asset.
• Knowledge of asset types and fund structures and experience with global teams and currency hedging
• Have a calm but proactive approach to urgent situations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; proven ability to independently apply logic and reasoning in order to plan and manage tasks to a desired outcome
• A proven keen attention to detail is essential
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, with the confidence to communicate challenges
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft products. Excel proficiency is essential.
• Effective English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments.
• Proactive mindset with a willingness to learn the foundational tasks before taking on increasing responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Equal Opportunity Employer