Lead Analyst - Portfolio Reconciliation

Responsibilities

Your main duties will include:

• Lead break resolution and controls: Detect and address client data, trade, and reconciliation discrepancies. Generate reports and maintain control documentation following internal guidelines and client specifications. Work closely with Operations leadership, IT, Trade Support, custodians,Brokers and portfolio managers to eliminate obstacles and avoid repeated problems. Handle team inquiries and conduct review procedures. 50%
• Provide accurate and timely account reconciliations: Ensure accounts are completed correctly and on schedule. Conduct careful analysis of any irregularities identified. Keep a solid understanding of inputs, dependencies, and data flows across systems and custodians. Encourage effective communication with internal and external contacts to support rapid resolution. 35%
• Develop product/process understanding: Acquire knowledge of PGI products, team procedures, and client requirements through independent learning, training sessions, and involvement in continuous investment operations activities. 10%
• Continuously improve efficiency: Expand knowledge of financial markets and security/asset-class data. Proactively employ more efficient ways to resolve breaks. 5%

We are looking for someone who is dedicated and driven to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Education & experience: Bachelors degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business. 7–9 years of experience in investment/mutual fund operations or a related field.
• Domain knowledge: Strong understanding of capital markets and investment banking/asset management operations relevant to reconciliations.
• Core capabilities: Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities; strong interpersonal and communication skills; capacity to work closely with Operations, IT, Trade Support, custodians,Brokers and portfolio managers.
• Conduct & compliance: Deliver prompt, courteous, high-quality service at an acceptable cost. Operate ethically in accordance with applicable laws/regulations and company policies (Corporate Code of Ethics, employee handbook, compliance and operations procedures).

As a Lead

• Practical experience in asset management reconciliations, encompassing Market Value Reconciliations, break investigation, and review activities.
• Ability to interpret and document data flows and dependencies across custodian, trade support, and portfolio/accounting systems. This job reports to Operations Leader.
• Proven team guidance and training, recognizing problems, developing training plans, and leading sessions to improve quality and consistency.
• Risk identification and mitigation in daily reconciliation processes with a continuous improvement approach.
• Tools/Tech: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (lookups, pivots), SharePoint (standard business operations tools) reconciliation platform (e.g., DUCO/TLM) custodian portals, and trade support/portfolio accounting systems.
• As a Lead Analyst - Portfolio Reconciliation at Principal, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our portfolio reconciliations. Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining flawless reconciliation processes. Heres what youll be doing:
• Manage reconciliation tasks for medium-complex accounts, concentrating on Market Value Reconciliations. Identify and fix client data, trade, and reconciliation discrepancies according to policy and client needs.
• Prepare clear, timely reports and maintain control evidence in accordance with internal policies, audit expectations, and client needs.
• Collaborate across departments with senior personnel in Operations, Information Technology (IT), Trade Support, custodians,Brokers and portfolio managers to gather information, address issues, and avoid future occurrences.
• Support and direct the team by resolving queries, undertaking review activities, preparing training plans, and delivering training sessions to improve capability and consistency.
• Meet delivery deadlines; identify risk areas and implement countermeasures; strengthen relationships with internal and external collaborators to accelerate issue resolution.
• Acquiring and implement product/process knowledge across Principal Global Investors (PGI), covering inputs, dependencies, and data flows; use insights to foster continuous advancement.