Investment Operations Analyst

Kauffman Foundation; Kentucky; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is seeking an Investment Operations Analyst to support the Investments team in managing the Foundation's multi‑billion portfolio. You will work across public and private investments, ensuring accurate records and effective controls.

You will collaborate with the Director of Investment Operations and external providers, perform reconciliations, and help strengthen processes. Three years' experience and strong Excel skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in investment operations, fund administration, custody, investment accounting or related field.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to work with data from multiple sources.
• Understanding of reconciliations and cash controls, or ability to learn quickly.
• Judgment to investigate discrepancies, ask clear questions, and escalate issues promptly.
• Strong written communication, ownership of deadlines, and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with private fund capital activity or institutional portfolios is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Monitor cash balances and projected activity across accounts to support investment funding, distributions, and liquidity needs.
• Track capital calls, distributions, investment settlements, fees, and other cash movements.
• Prepare and review cash movement instructions and supporting documentation under established procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of transactions, commitments, and expected cash flows.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of cash, positions, transactions, and valuations across custodians and internal systems.
• Investigate differences, coordinate resolution, and document outcomes.
• Review manager statements and source documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Enter and maintain investment data in the portfolio management system.
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM, coordinating with the Investment Office Coordinator.
• Monitor data flow between systems and resolve data issues.
• Maintain high-quality data in investment accounting and related systems.
• Help prepare recurring investment operations reports for financial reporting and audits.
• Partner with investment, finance, and external providers to resolve questions.
• Identify recurring errors and strengthen processes and controls.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Attention to detail

Strong written communication

Collaborative team player

Self-direction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Data Analytics

Tools

Investment accounting systems

CRM systems

Portfolio management system

Job description

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

Investment Operations Analyst

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Investment Operations Analyst will assist the Investments team in managing the $3 billion portfolio, to help manage the daily and monthly processes that support our endowment. This role works across public and private investments and requires careful execution, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to accurate records and effective controls.

You will work closely with the Director of Investment Operations, investment team members, custodians, fund managers, and service providers. The Senior Analyst will take greater ownership of complex work, investigate exceptions independently, and help improve processes.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

Manage cash and investment activity

• Monitor cash balances and projected activity across accounts to support investment funding, distributions, and the foundation’s liquidity needs.
• Track capital calls, distributions, investment settlements, fees, and other cash movements.
• Prepare and review cash movement instructions and supporting documentation under established authorization procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of transactions, commitments, and expected cash flows.

Reconcile and maintain investment records

• Perform monthly reconciliations of cash, positions, transactions, and valuations across custodians, managers, and internal systems.
• Investigate differences, coordinate their resolution, and document outcomes.
• Review manager statements, notices, and other source documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Enter, review, and maintain investment data in the portfolio management system, including transactions, valuations, commitments, and cash flows as applicable.
• Maintain accurate manager, fund, account, and operational records in the CRM, coordinating with the Investment Office Coordinator where responsibilities overlap.
• Monitor data flowing between systems, identify missing or inconsistent information, and help resolve system and reporting issues.
• Maintain high-quality data in investment accounting, portfolio reporting, and related systems.

Support reporting and controls

• Help prepare recurring investment operations reports, schedules, and information for financial reporting and audit requests.
• Partner with investment, finance, and external providers to resolve operational questions.
• Identify recurring errors or inefficiencies and help strengthen processes and controls.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Data Analytics preferred but would consider an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates possession of economics or business management competencies.

Work Experience: At least three years of work experience in a business environment preferred.

Travel: This position may require occasional business travel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates for this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-direction and able to work collaboratively in a team. Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change.

• Experience in investment operations, fund administration, custody, investment accounting, or a related field. Candidates with relevant accounting or financial operations experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong Excel skills and the ability to work carefully with data from multiple sources.
• An understanding of reconciliations and cash controls, or a demonstrated ability to learn them quickly.
• The judgment to investigate discrepancies, ask clear questions, and escalation issues promptly.
• Strong written communication, ownership of deadlines, and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with private fund capital activity, investment accounting systems, or institutional portfolios is helpful.

All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.