Finance Manager

About the OpportunityOur client, a leading merchant bank and asset management firm with a growing private capital investment platform, is seeking a Financial Reporting & Operations Manager to join its finance team in Chicago. The position sits at the intersection of fund accounting, investor reporting, cash management, and workflow automation, partnering closely with the third-party fund administrator, valuation and portfolio management, investor relations, compliance, and senior leadership. This is a hands-on seat on a tight-knit team of roughly ten professionals with unusually strong technical and interpersonal caliber, offering direct exposure to the executive office and a level of breadth rarely found in traditional fund reporting roles. Because a third-party administrator handles the mechanical work, the emphasis here falls on review, judgment, technology, and process design, with a pronounced focus on data workstreams, automation, and AI-enabled innovation. The role is open due to an internal move and carries a clear path for advancement. Candidates should be energized by a fast-moving environment in a period of significant organizational growth, comfortable with a sustained state of change, and prepared for demanding hours during peak periods. This position is based in Chicago and requires four days per week in-office.
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepare and review quarterly and annual fund financial statements under US GAAP (ASC 946), including schedules of investments, footnotes, and supporting workpapersApply and document GAAP treatment for complex transactions across multi-vehicle fund complexes, co-investment vehicles, and SPVsReview monthly trial balances, NAV, partner capital account allocations, capital calls, distributions, and partner-level economics prepared by the administrator; maintain waterfall allocations and oversee the third-party administration teamReview quarterly valuation accounting for portfolio company interests and support external audits alongside the auditors and administratorMonitor compliance with line-of-credit requirements, including quarterly compliance certificates, and support recurring regulatory filings such as Forms ADV, PF, and BEA, Cayman CIMA FAR, and TICRespond to ad hoc requests from investors and executive leadership, partnering across Tax, Compliance, Legal, Communications, and Investor Relations on reporting, filings, and firm-wide initiativesIdentify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and automate reporting and fund operations, building a scalable operating model that supports future fund launches, greater complexity, and higher reporting volumeWork with Finance, Data, and Technology stakeholders to improve the structure, quality, and accessibility of reporting data, translating process pain points into practical system and automation enhancementsBuild automated reporting and review models, repeatable tools, and dashboards, and surface use cases for automation and AI that reduce manual effort and strengthen reviewAct as subject matter expert on the team's reporting tools, developing training and documentation to drive adoptionSupport executive leadership with information critical to decision-making, including financial budgets and cash flow forecasts, and manage cash for investment and expense needs, capital calls, and distributionsLiaise with valuation, portfolio management, and investor relations teams; support business development, compliance, fundraising, and deal transactions, including regulatory data requestsServe as a catalyst for thoughtful change, introducing new ideas and building consensus for better ways of working while respecting existing institutional knowledgeProvide review, mentorship, and development for associates
Job Requirements7–8 years of experience in private equity or private capital fund finance, fund financial reporting, or fund operations; prior experience at a private equity firm strongly preferredBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA or active candidacy preferredHands-on experience with Investran strongly preferred; exposure to other fund accounting and reporting systems such as Hazeltree, StavPay, Anaplan, or Workiva also consideredStrong command of quarterly and annual fund reporting processes, audit coordination, administrator oversight, and related operational workflowsWorking knowledge of US GAAP for investment companies (ASC 946) and related standards, including ASC 830Demonstrated success improving processes, implementing reporting enhancements, or redesigning operating workflows in a finance environmentAdvanced Excel skills required; hands-on experience with Power BI, Power Query, Power Automate, Alteryx, or Workiva a plus, along with genuine interest in automation, workflow redesign, and AI-enabled process improvementStrong judgment and excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to influence change collaboratively across finance verticals and the wider firmExceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and precision in financial reporting and analysisAbility to balance multiple priorities against critical deadlines in a fast-paced, complex fund environment
The annual base salary range is up to $175,000. Actual compensation offered to the successful candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level, among other things. Details about eligibility for bonus compensation (if applicable) will be finalized at the time of offer.