Associate - Operational Due Diligence

Position Overview

The Associate position at StepStone Group in Dublin will have the responsibility of operational risk assessment of private market investment funds, including private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure, venture capital and hedge funds. The ideal candidate for this job will have strong written and verbal communication skills, be adept at using Microsoft Office tools, and be a proven problem solver. The candidate must have a willingness to travel and be a hardworking self-starter capable of demonstrating commitment to deadlines and having an attention to detail.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform reviews of audited financial statements and relevant documents related to the back-office operations of prospective and existing investment managers.
• Analyze and synthesize such documents in order to identify risks and propose mitigating solutions to such risks.
• Conduct interviews via on-site visits or phone calls with COOs, CFOs, CCOs and other operations personnel, including IT personnel, to discuss potential risks in IT infrastructure, operational controls, compliance and valuation processes.
• Prepare detailed operational due diligence and risk assessment reports.
• Review third-party service provider relationships and agreement terms as well as perform desktop reviews in addition to on-site reviews of service providers.
• Assist with developing and executing monitoring projects on General Partners in StepStone’s portfolios.
• Keep abreast of market developments, industry trends and regulatory matters.
• Assist and perform ad hoc projects and reviews related to the operational due diligence function.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of operational due diligence experience with a focus on private equity, private debt, real estate, hedge fund, venture capital, and infrastructure or 2 - 5 years of working experience in the financial industry, with exposure to audit, compliance or operational roles.
• University bachelor’s degree is required
• Working knowledge of private market investments

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Acute attention to accuracy and detail
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize activities while working on multiple projects and achieve target deadlines

Other Attributes:

• Flexibility—StepStone is a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization; all professionals are expected to perform multiple functions
• Promote and demonstrate a positive, team-oriented attitude
• Dynamic, smart, hard-working and a self-starter
• High level of confidentiality
• Commitment to learning
• Willingness to travel and work a flexible schedule
• Possess an accreditation of CFA, CPA, or CAIA a plus