Investment Operations Analyst

Department: Investments/Real Estate
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary

Our Mission: The Investment Office acts as stewards of Northwestern University's Endowment in order to provide a stable and growing stream of income to support the University's academic and research goals for current and future generations.

Northwestern University is searching for an Investment Operations Analyst to join its Investment Office. We are looking for an individual with strong accounting training but also someone who is versatile and adaptable. This person is an integral member of the team and will be responsible for the accounting of quantitative and qualitative data related to the activities of the public equity, private equity, venture capital, hedge fund, fixed income and real assets funds within Northwestern University's investment portfolio. This person will also engage on the support of data analytics, operational due diligence, tax, compliance and regulatory endeavors. The successful candidate should have strong accounting skills and be highly detail oriented. In addition, they should demonstrate intellectual curiosity and integrity. Some familiarity with AI tools will be considered a strong plus. Above all, they should be proactive, insightful and articulate with a problem-solving mindset. This individual will represent Northwestern University's Investment Office when working with accounting, finance, tax, IT and development colleagues across the University as well as with external investment manager partners and vendors. The successful candidate will be a team player that can manage multiple assignments and adjust priorities. This position allows for intellectual and professional growth.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

• Support the Manager of Performance Reporting with the entry and validation of accounting data, the reconciliation of data between custodian banks and other counterparties, and the entry and approval of cash wires. Assist in troubleshooting accounting issues as they arise.

• Support the Principal Software Engineer and data analytics team in ongoing efforts related to our internal data warehouse and tools for investment reporting. Work with AI tools to automate tasks and improve efficiency. Assist with data validation. Help problem-solve and advance our technology platforms.

• Support the Director of Operations and the operations team in ongoing efforts related to operational due diligence, audit, tax accounting and reporting, compliance and regulatory reporting, document and data collection and extraction, and external surveys.

*Will perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or similar field required. Minimum 3.8 GPA.

• Computer Science, Math or similar quantitative minor/concentration encouraged.

• Curiosity and comfort with technology and AI. A willingness to learn and grow.

• Collaborative, team-first approach.

• Highly accurate and detail oriented.

• Highest level of integrity, intellectual capability, and professionalism.

• 0 to 3 years of relevant work experience in an investment management / asset allocator / custodian / administrator operations and/or accounting environment.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

• A working understanding of capital markets and investment strategies a plus.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience with AI tools (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini) preferred.

• Experience with Microsoft PowerBI, Solovis, Bipsync or Canoe software applications a plus.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $70,000-85,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.