Portfolio Associate, Direct

Posted:
10/1/2024, 12:36:40 AM

Location(s):
London, England, United Kingdom ⋅ England, United Kingdom

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Legal & Compliance

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

Job Description Summary

For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.

In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.

We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.

HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer.

This position will be a hybrid work arrangement, which translates to 3 days minimum per week in the office.

The Role:

The Direct Portfolio Associate will support the Direct Co-Investment group in investing capital as well as improving business operations. The role will have exposure to a wide range of activities primarily focused on the transaction closing process. This includes but is not limited to communication among relevant internal and external parties, managing closing process and documentation, recording and reconciling transactions in our internal systems, and Know Your Client (KYC). This role will serve as a liaison with internal departments such as Legal, Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Compliance, and Portfolio Analytics while observing all internal policies. The Portfolio Associate will work closely with the Direct team in Boston, London, and Hong Kong. Prior experience with private equity, private credit, or corporate law firm would be an asset. This role is not focused on evaluating direct investments.

The ideal candidate is someone who is:

  • A motivated self-starter, able to work independently or as part of a team, under pressure, with changing priorities and little supervision

  • Able to communicate authoritatively with colleagues of all levels, as well as external parties

  • Able to quickly master new systems, data relationships, and processes

  • An analytical problem-solver that can identify and implement creative solutions

What you will do:

Transaction Closing

  • Collaborate with Direct deal teams and external legal counsel to execute and lead the closing of investments including provide supplemental materials to counsel

  • Maintain internal systems for planning and tracking investment closings for firm wide reference including uploading transaction related documents

  • Coordinate with appropriate parties including treasury to facilitate and prepare the funding package for investments, ensuring that all requirements are satisfied completely, accurately, and in a timely manner

  • Work closely across multiple groups and geographies to ensure compliance with all closing processes, internal documentation, and reporting procedures

  • Review approval documents, allocation schedules, notices, and legal documents. Reconcile discrepancies and work in internal systems and with internal business partners to ensure that appropriate information is entered in our systems accurately and completely

  • Work closely with Direct deal team, internal operational groups, and third parties to facilitate exiting Direct investments

Investment Monitoring and Operations

  • Assist with the implementation of Direct Co-Investment group strategic initiatives, ad-hoc operational projects, and other aspects of group management

  • Review and respond to KYC requests in coordination with internal teams, including Legal, Compliance, and Tax

  • Maintain and analyze Direct group databases (e.g. deal log, investment tracking, data integrity of internal systems)

  • Respond to internal and external queries and requests in relation to the Direct Co- Investment portfolio

  • Prepare invoices for deal-related expenses and provide allocations for deal-related invoices received

What you bring:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Outstanding organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and attention to detail

  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Education Preferred:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A) or equivalent experience

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S) or equivalent experience

Experience:

  • 3-5 years of relevant work experience