Senior Director, Alternative Investment Funds

181 SEI Global Services, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

401(k) match

Education assistance

PTO

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

SEI seeks a Fund Accounting Senior Director to lead day-to-day tactical accounting operations for client funds, ensuring high-quality service, accuracy, and efficiency across shareholder reporting and administration.

You will supervise managers, coordinate with SEI teams and clients, and drive process improvements while aligning with corporate standards and risk controls.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Mathematics or equivalent professional experience.
• CPA preferred and strong accounting background essential.
• Significant direct experience with mutual funds or unitized investment vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day delivery of premium accounting services for fund clients.
• Lead and supervise operations to ensure cost-effective, standardized service delivery.
• Direct client management, Shareholder Reporting and Administration for assigned funds.

Skills

Operations management

Team leadership

Client relations

GAAP knowledge

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Accounting or Finance or Economics

Job description

The Investment Manager Services Division (IMS) at SEI is growing rapidly and is seeking new members on our Alternative Investment Funds Fund Accountant Team. Our primary goal is to provide exceptional customer service and accounting and administration servicing for our clients’ assigned hedge and private equity funds.

As a Fund Accounting Senior Director, you will be responsible for the day-to‑day delivery of premium accounting services to the internal and external clients connected to the Senior Director’s bundle of service relationships (i.e., responsibility and authority over the day‑to‑day tactical accounting operations management related to those client relationships). These responsibilities are to be carried out in a manner consistent with the vision, goals and policies of the unit.

You will have operational ownership and leadership for a bundle of service relationships and will be expected to work with the unit’s Senior Operations Officers, other Fund Accounting and Administration Directors and other unit personnel, the SEI Solutions Team, other SEI market units, external clients, auditors and vendors to coordinate, facilitate and execute on the delivery of a cost‑focused, efficient, standardized and predictable service to the respective marketplace. You will also be responsible for directing the overall operations functions, including all aspects of transaction initiation and service requests via multiple channels, and training through the supervision of managers and supervisors to ensure the highest quality service to SEI’s clients.

You will oversee and be responsible for developing and implementing procedures for maintaining and/or enhancing client service and quality and for improving operational efficiency. You will be responsible for formulating and/or implementing operations policies and procedures to facilitate processes according to corporate standards.

Client Management

• You will understand, communicate and resolve unique client issues in tandem with SEI Relationship Teams.
• You will ensure the overall quality and delivery of Fund Accounting, Shareholder Reporting and Administration services in accordance with client‑specific service model.
• You will serve as senior technical and operational resource for client.
• You will interact with the Board of Directors/Trustees connected to the Director’s bundle of service relationships.
• In certain circumstances, you will serve as the Chief Financial Officer of client funds.

Technical Consulting

• You will identify, interpret, apply and communicate accounting and industry rules and regulations.
• You will identify trends in the investment management business and adjust operational services accordingly.

Departmental Leadership

• You will create, communicate, monitor and reinforce departmental vision, goals and objectives.
• You will actively participate in regular senior management meetings and initiatives.
• You will promote integration of Fund Accounting Department with other SEI lines of business.
• You will participate in management skills training and development of staff.
• You will set and enforce departmental policies.
• You will develop and communicate goals and objectives for the team, and formulate specific action plans.
• Periodically review prioritization of team goals and objectives and monitor progress regularly.
• You will conduct performance appraisals, monthly one‑on‑ones with the team analysts and supervisors and provide career pathing and training.
• You will also ensure staffing requirements are met by participating in interviews and hiring processes.
• You will provide and foster a team environment to include individual development, promotions and disciplinary action.
• You will participate in or lead departmental projects as applicable.

We want you to succeed and help us continue to enhance our operational efficiency and effectiveness on an ongoing basis! Through attending and participating in various IMS and corporate professional development sessions, you will be provided with the tools to identify potential process improvements across the division and organization. You will have the opportunity to partner with a diverse team and grow your career.

What we need from you:

BA / BS in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Mathematics or equivalent professional experience. Minimum 12 years proven operations management experience leading multiple teams in a changing environment or 6-12 years in a public accounting firm with specific experience in the financial services field. CPA preferred. Significant direct, relevant experience with 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 in reviewing fund financial statements and an understanding of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for investment companies and related reporting requirements. Proven track record of successfully managing operational teams or departments. Demonstrated ability to initiate process changes to improve service to clients and improve operational efficiency. Proven ability to manage staff development and performance. Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills, along with the analytical skills needed to identify problems and trends.

What we would like from you:

A drive to broaden one’s knowledge of the financial services industry by learning new concepts and systems and taking the initiative to apply it to daily work assignments. Attention to detail to ensure that all deliverables consistently meet the highest standard of quality and accuracy. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. As the needs of our clients change, we need to be flexible to change with them. Positivity and collegial approach in assisting both colleagues and clients and the ability to work in team environment. Curiosity, critical thinking and attention to detail: Whether it’s to identify a solution to a problem or possibly help implement a more efficient process or procedure, your skills have a place in our business. Someone who will embody our SEI Values of courage, integrity, collaboration, inclusion, connection and fun. Please see our website for more information. https://www.seic.com/

Compensation: The base salary pay for this role is $200,000 - $260,000 per year. This position will also be eligible to earn a discretionary bonus each year, subject to company approval.

Benefits

• healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription, wellness, EAP, FSA)
• life and disability insurance (premiums paid for base coverage)
• 401(k) match
• education assistance
• commuter benefits
• up to 11 paid holidays/year
• 21 days PTO/year pro-rated for new hires which increases over time
• paid parental leave
• back‑up childcare arrangements
• paid volunteer days
• a discounted stock purchase plan
• investment options
• access to thriving employee networks
• more.

We are a technology and asset management company delivering on our promise of building brave futures (SM)—for our clients, our communities, and ourselves. Come build your brave future at SEI. The position title reflected in this job description is aligned with SEI's current internal job architecture. As part of SEI's role and career framework, internal job titles may not directly correspond to external market titles and may differ from titles previously assigned during an employee's tenure or at the time of hire. SEI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and so much more… After over 50 years in business, SEI remains a leading global provider of investment processing, investment management, and investment operations solutions. Reflecting our experience within financial services and financial technology our offices encompass an open floor plan and numerous art installations designed to encourage innovation and creativity in our workforce. We recognize that our people are our most valuable asset and that a healthy, happy, and motivated workforce is key to our continued growth. At SEI, we’re (literally) invested in your success. We offer our employees paid parental leave, back‑up childcare arrangements, paid volunteer days, education assistance and access to thriving employee networks. SEI is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. AI Acceptable Use in the application and interview process: SEI acknowledges the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into individuals’ personal and professional lives. If you intend to incorporate the use of any AI tools at any stage of the application and/or interview process, please ensure you have reviewed and adhere to our AI use guidelines. We are global provider of technology, operations, and asset management services for the financial services industry. We tailor our solutions to help clients make effective use of their capital—whether that’s money, time, or talent—so they can grow and better serve their clients. At SEI, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the same opportunities to grow, develop, and succeed.