Our client, an elite global investment firm, is looking for an AVP to join their growing IA team in NY.
10th May, 2022
About the Client
Our client is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. They seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for investors, the companies they invest in, and the communities in which they work. Our client does this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Their $731 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis.
Job Description & Synthesis
Our client's internal audit team provides independent and objective assurance to the Board of Directors and Executive Management by evaluating that the businesses across the global platform are well governed, operating effectively and meeting risk management objectives. The IA team is guided by a philosophy of adding intrinsic value by improving the operations of the Firm and protecting its reputation. The team works collaboratively with client senior leadership to understand the requisite risks and to evaluate and contribute to effective governance, internal control, and risk management. The IA team has a global footprint of exceptionally talented people, with diverse professional backgrounds, and works in a highly collaborative manner.
Internal Audit's four primary areas of responsibility include:
Internal Audit – As part of its approved annual global audit plan, IA performs business unit, enterprise, technology and jurisdictional reviews. As part of these reviews, IA assesses the design and operating effectiveness of controls supporting the businesses.
Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance – IA facilitates the project management, quality assurance and oversight of internal control testing related to financial reporting and compliance for the SOX Compliance program.
Advisory – Collaborate with senior management to gain insight on the Firm’s strategic, operational, financial and compliance initiatives.
Enterprise Risk Monitoring – Assess risks and controls related to business imperatives, such as launching new products, implementing new technologies or remediating control issues.
Specific Responsibilities
The Internal Audit Valuations Assistant Vice President will be involved in all core activities undertaken by IA including annual risk assessment, execution of assurance and advisory activities, and contributing to department wide strategic initiatives. The primary focus of the role will be to evaluate processes and controls that support the calculation of asset valuations and financial reporting as part of the point in time audit activities and advisory work that is conducted across Blackstone’s businesses. In addition, this individual will support the Chief Audit Executive in preparation for Valuation Committees through review and analysis of valuation data and materials. IA’s remit spans across all areas of the Firm, including the business strategy teams who are responsible for investment and asset management; corporate functions such as Human Resources, Finance and Compliance; as well as the regional entities across EMEA and APAC.
Specific responsibilities of the role include:
Work closely with the CAE to analyze valuation materials that are produced by the Valuations Teams to provide meaningful, accurate and timely valuation reporting feedback in advance of the Valuation Committees
Perform risk-based audits across Blackstone’s business units to evaluate the valuation methodologies, assess the design and operating effectiveness of the controls supporting valuation calculations, identify trends and valuation changes
Perform testing, document test results, identify findings as applicable, and work with management to design corrective actions that mitigate risk, drive efficiency and add value
Engage in SOX valuation control reviews, discussions with management and external auditors and perform quality assurance reviews of testing results
Leverage industry experience to provide valuation advisory services during the development of new businesses, design of new processes and implementation of systems
Develop ongoing working relationships within the firm, communicate ways to improve controls and have a strong understanding of new firm wide initiatives in the pipeline
Assist in the annual risk assessment process and contribute to the formation of the annual audit plan through direct input, insight and perspective around current business, industry and regulatory risk factors
Aid in the development and management of the internal audit risk assessment framework, including the ongoing management of risk registers and control libraries within the firm’s Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) application
Participate in firm and industry events that will enhance your skills and expand your knowledge of the alternative asset management field
Performing investigations, special reviews and other ad hoc projects
Key Qualifications
Our client seeks to attract and develop best-in-class talent from diverse professional backgrounds including finance, technology, risk management, operations, and compliance. Successful professionals should demonstrate a strong understanding of the asset management business and a history of cultivating strong working relationships with business partners through the delivery of impactful services focused on strengthening the risk and control environment. The small size of this group offers an opportunity to gain significant exposure across the platform.
The ideal candidate will require adaptability, intellectual curiosity, strong judgment, and superior problem-solving skills to successfully navigate the complexities associated with evaluating risk across various business units and enterprise-wide functions. In addition, the successful candidate should have:
6-8+ years of audit or relevant experience focused on the evaluation or calculation of valuations in the financial services industry
Undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business-related field
Familiarity with a wide range of valuation approaches (e.g. DCF, Cost, Market, Income, Yield Analysis)
Understanding of public company ICFR / SOX requirement
Personal and professional integrity of the highest order
Ability to think critically and strategically to develop innovative recommendations to mitigate risks and add value to the organization
Analytical and quantitative skills, resourceful mindset and efficiency driven
Aptitude towards investment and risk management, scenario analysis and problem solving
Strong project management, organizational and presentation skills
Excellent communication (verbal, written & listening) and interpersonal skills
Proficient understanding of current accounting pronouncements, regulatory and industry events
Experience with internal audit risk assessments
Ability to multi-task and execute a wide range of assignments, strong time management skills, and attention to detail
Ability to partner across teams, summarize issues, develop recommendations, and make decisions
Ability to be proactive and take initiative
An energetic and enthusiastic approach to the role
Experience with Governance, Risk & Compliance technology tools & Tableau