Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

Ares is looking for a Senior Associate to join our Investment Operations team. This role reports to Associate Vice President of Investment Operations – Reconciliation Team. The candidate is responsible for monitoring and resolving both cash and par discrepancies between the bank and agent banks. This includes cause analysis and impact assessment, while actively enhancing the platform to streamline and strengthen team capabilities. The ideal candidate is an ambitious self-starter capable of working independently to conduct business that is an equal blend of art and science. Good critical thinking skills and a “solutioning” mindset are a must.

Primary functions and essential responsibilities

• Proactively research, resolve and prevent all cash and par breaks with custodian banks and third-party administrators
• Assist with the daily management and operation of the reconciliation process including cash, par and non-custody reconciliations with both custodian bank and paying agents across all funds
• Direct fund administrators and custodian banks on appropriate processing and review/reconcile processing output for accuracy while looking for root cause issues
• Prepare daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly KPIs to track trends and workflow issues.
• Maintain high standard of quality controls
• Reconcile and resolve contract and facility level loan positions between WSO, Geneva and Third-Party Administrators
• Influencing and participating in decisions on policies/procedures designed to ensure compliance with internal, legal, and regulatory policies and ensure changing business requirements are met.
• Work with all internal and external stakeholders to improve and enhance recon team workflows
• Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve process efficiencies and increase risk mitigation
• Participate in meetings representing the recon team and participate in department initiatives such as system enhancements, off hours testing and new business conversions as necessary

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or other business-related discipline

Experience Required:

• Minimum 5-7 years of investment management operations experience with high emphasis on bank loan operations
• Management firms with expertise in Investment Operations and Settlements related functions
• Strong knowledge of various asset classes, primarily focused in the area of credit/fixed income, derivatives, and FX with an emphasis on bank debt and high yield/alt credit
• Strong understanding of the bank loan industry and standards
• Familiarity with standard activities carried out by financial intermediaries such as investment banks, broker/dealers, Prime Brokers, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Wall Street Office and Geneva
• Direct experience partnering with the business units to ensure operational efficiency and collaborative outcomes
• Experience working with an outsource/offshore service provider
• Experience working with custodian and agent banks
• Understanding of basic accounting theories
• Hedge fund, Credit or Private Equity experience is a plus

General Requirements:

• Extremely detailed oriented with a proven track record for accuracy
• Ability and desire to work in a fast pace and dynamic environment often requiring fast solutions to complex problems
• Display outstanding written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• A self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong control focus and ability to challenge streamline processes
• Problem-solving mindset, willing to roll up the sleeves
• Well organized, high attention to detail – role directly informs investment decisions
• Ability to follow up and see issues to final resolution
• Forward and proactive thinking and ability to find ways to prevent both cash and par breaks
• Strong control focus and ability to challenge streamline processes Ability/Willingness to continuously develop and maintain “next-level” understanding of Ares business philosophy and activities

Reporting Relationships

Principal, Investment Operations

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

$125,000 - $145,000

The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.

Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.

There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.