Guggenheim Partners is seeking an exceptional candidate to join its Portfolio Services team as a Portfolio Reconciliation/Accounting Analyst in the Portfolio Operations Department. Reporting to the Head of Investment Accounting/Recon, this person will be responsible for resolving cash and position reconciliation exceptions; analyzing security level accounting information for client portfolios, including data attributes and metrics used to calculate performance returns and invoice amounts; and the maintenance of GAAP and Statutory balance sheet values used in the portfolio management decision-making process.

The ideal candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, innovative, manage time efficiently, and possess critical- and analytical-thinking skills. A key aspect of the role is collaborating and communicating with other groups within Portfolio Operations, portfolio management teams, and custodial bank representatives.

This position is located in Chicago.

• Ensure that all cash and positions are reconciled to custody bank account values accurately, efficiently, and on a timely basis.
• Work with internal and external parties in order to resolve reconciliation exceptions, identify root causes of exceptions, and escalate to stakeholders as needed.
• Periodically reconcile accounting book of records’ asset values to the corresponding investment book of records’ values; efficiently and accurately analyze root causes of variances, and clearly summarize root cause analysis for management.
• Maintain, review and analyze GAAP and Statutory accounting information for fixed income, equity, and derivative positions and transactions for all applicable client portfolios in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain fluency with current regulatory and accounting guidance changes to ensure that values in the accounting system are accurate.
• Review fixed income cash flows and perform yield analysis to support accurate book values.
• Effectively communicate accounting decisions and policies to other groups within the firm, including: Portfolio Managers, Sector Team Leaders and Operation Teams.
• Work with Client Service Support team to ensure that portfolio and security level accounting characteristics are correct at the point of initial account set-up.
• Monitor and record in-kind transfer activity in the accounting system.
• Review and process the up-load of investment book value information into the Investment Book of Record.
• Actively participate and contribute to initiatives that generate greater accuracy in accounting information and processing efficiencies.
• Monitor formal processes in order to ensure reconciliation processes meet standards established by internal and external auditors including SAS 70 procedures.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with internal/external ad hoc requests, special projects, and other duties as assigned.

• Currently holding or pursuing CPA or CFA a plus.
• A background in GAAP and/or Statutory accounting for insurance company investments a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 1-5 years of experience in financial services industry, specifically back office operations and/or fund accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, etc.
• Experience with PAM for Investments or a similar investment accounting system.
• Experience with BlackRock Solutions and/or Wall Street Office or a similar investment book of records system.
• Sound working knowledge of fixed income and equity securities and an understanding of derivative accounting including interest rate derivatives, equity derivatives and credit derivatives.
• Team-oriented individual with ability to collaborate with a diverse range of groups.
• Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining accuracy and quality of work.
• An eye for detail and an analytical mindset.
• Problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to take initiative and critically analyze processes and procedures with the intention of constant improvement.

About Guggenheim Investments

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, with expertise in fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our team of investment professionals performs rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification opportunities and attractive long-term results.

About Guggenheim Partners

Guggenheim Partners is a global investment and advisory firm with three primary businesses: investment management, investment banking, and insurance services. We have a track record of delivering results through innovative solutions, with professionals based in offices around the world. Our commitment is to advance the strategic interests of our clients and to deliver long-term results with excellence and integrity. You can learn more about our expertise and values by visiting GuggenheimPartners.com and following us on Twitter at twitter.com/guggenheimptnrs.

To succeed in the Guggenheim culture, candidates must be self-starters and strive for results. We are looking for people who operate as business owners, adhere to the highest standards and think creatively to realize opportunities, wherever they may be.

Guggenheim is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.