Fund Accounting & Operations Analyst

The Company Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas - the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com. The Business Investment, Risk and Reinsurance Our sophisticated approach to risk helps clients free up capital. We work in close concert with investors, reinsurers, and insurers to manage the equation between risk and return. Blending advanced analytics with deep institutional knowledge, we reveal new opportunities to maximize performance. The Role The role of the Fund Accounting and Operations Analyst is to provide support to the Towers Watson Investment Management ("TWIM") Operations team with a specific focus on the operational aspects of supporting an Investment Trust. The wider team administers a range of fund of fund solutions for clients and the primary responsibility of the Fund Accounting and Operations Analyst will be to support the completion and production of Fund Accounting activities for a new daily equity manager of managers Investment Trust. Daily activities will include reconciliation of fund prices and securities, recording and monitoring of trade confirmations, daily cash reconciliation, liaising with the Fund administrator and asset managers and performing a shadow accounting function utilising a new third party system. In addition, the Fund Administration and Accounting Analyst is responsible for ensuring that key documentation is distributed to third parties to enable Towers Watson to carry out agreed operational functions on behalf of it funds and a range of pension fund clients. The role is suited to an individual who has a keen eye for details, and is numerically-biased preferably with some experience of Fund Accounting. Key responsibilities will include: The successful candidate will work as part of the TWIM Operations team with a particular focus on Fund Accounting. Act as the main point of contact specifically in relation to a daily priced Investment Trust as well as assisting the team across the whole Fund range when required. Reconcile and prepare any distributions the Investment Trust makes. Manage the buyback process with both internal external parties from initial notification to final payment. Manage the dividend income process to make sure all markets have up to date documentation and we are reclaiming the maximum tax permissible. Work with colleagues in the TWIM Operations team in order to provide a reliable and efficient service to our clients. This includes being involved in shadow accounting, calculation of Fund NAV's, monitoring of trade confirmations and reconciliations. Complete daily fund accounting responsibilities and assist with other operational activities relating to the wider Fund range such as credit facility management, currency and share class hedging, fund budgets and expenses. Adhere to our Professional Excellence principles to ensure that any work undertaken is completed in a manner that adds value to our clients. Demonstrate risk-management excellence and ensure appropriate procedures are adhered to. Support our clients to ensure that TWIM Operations and in particular fund accounting activities are implemented and followed efficiently. Communicate with others clearly and effectively, and develop strong working relationships with portfolio management teams, fund administrators and third party Investment Managers. Assist in the completion of regulatory filings in respect of our funds businesses from time to time to ensure regulatory compliance procedures are adhered to. The Requirements Experience / Understanding of working with Investment Trusts is desirable Understanding of Investment Trust distributions and buy backs. Corporate actions management and reconciliations Daily Fund Accounting experience would be an advantage. Degree and / or 3 'A' levels one of which to be maths or finance related Strong numerical and organisational skills Strong problem solving skills and good attention to detail. Effective oral and written communication skills to ensure that information and knowledge is shared and cascaded appropriately Strong team-player with the ability to fit seamlessly into the wider group of associates all focussed on delivering work of exceptional quality Good IT skills (good knowledge of the MS Office package) and use of Excel and advantage Ability to work on own initiative as well as in a team to help achieve the goals of the team Ability to meet deadlines consistently and to manage workload effectively. A result orientated individual who has a logical and analytical method of working Willis Towers Watson is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on any basis. We support flexible working and this role will be considered on a flexible basis.