External Provider Oversight - Associate

About this role

Are you searching for an exciting and dynamic opportunity with the world's largest asset manager? Look no further! At BlackRock, we are seeking a passionate individual to join our Global Accounting and Product Oversight group supporting our Swiss Product Oversight and Governance team.

At BlackRock, we have an exceptional responsibility: our technology and services empower millions of investors to save for retirement, pay for college, buy a home and improve their financial well-being. Come join our team and experience what it feels like to be part of an organisation that makes a difference.

Team Overview:

As a part of the Global Accounting and Product Services (GAAPS) team you will partner with both external providers and colleagues globally as a member of the Swiss Product Oversight and Governance (POG) team. The team is responsible for the Swiss fund operational platform. We have outsourced functions to internal departments within the BlackRock Group and to external providers.

The Swiss POG team own all fund outsourcing relationships, primarily for the functions: fund accounting and financial / regulatory reporting, securities lending, portfolio compliance, transfer agency oversight, securities lending, investment stewardship, trade operations. This includes improving existing SLAs, reviewing provider performance and their critical metrics, driving improvement projects, signing off provider and fund invoices, management reporting.

We help various BlackRock departments to launch, run and change products. Swiss POG additionally supports boards, assists legal and compliance in relevant regulatory and legal matters specific to the funds and supports the sales and marketing teams (through technical knowledge of both the funds in relation to jurisdictional requirements and accounting expertise).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead engagement with external and internal fund service providers, with a focus on fund accounting in the fields of investment management, financial reporting, portfolio compliance, transfer agency, securities lending and fund operations.

• As the operations representative at board meetings, sub-committees and industry groups; communicate effectively, contribute to reports and articulate operational developments, issues and actions.

• Provide an authoritative source of business, industry and technical fund administration expertise on functional and process requirements.

• Collaborate with peers and partners to identify, drive and complete change projects.

• Build positive relationships with partner teams across BlackRock to actively engage and lead fund launch and product change.

• Identify, evaluate and address risk management items rigorously; take timely actions to communicate and close.

• Ensure consistency with global standard methodology for controls, oversight and management of service providers and where appropriate improve fund operating processes.

• Act as point person for fund and corporate auditors.

• Acting the lead contact point for internal and external delegates, perform reviews and annual onsite visits, for functions like: Product Tax, Transfer Agency, Portfolio Compliance, Sec Lending, Trade Operations

• Represent BlackRock in the Swiss marketplace, industry and, participate relevant industry working groups.

Knowledge / Experience:

• University degree or equivalent experience in business administration, economics, finance, or in another field.

• Preferably additional industry qualification (e.g., Certified Public Accountant, CFA, FRM), or industry experience as well as sound knowledge of Swiss GAAP, Swiss fund regulations (CISA, CISO, SFAMA publications); IFRS and UCITS knowhow preferred.

• Shown significant experience in improving and running operational processes; creative idea generation and openness to change.

• Tech-savviness, experience in process automation, SQL / programming skills preferred.

• Deep understanding of investment processes and controls across all (Swiss) product structures.

Competencies / Skills:

• Self-starter capable of working independently, highly dedicated with a real passion for performance, willing to take ownership of issues and follow through to resolution with excellent attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills including ability to clearly articulate results as well as issues to senior management and external parties

• Strong prioritization skills and ability to handle differing requirements from multiple partners and to tight deadlines.

• Flexibly adapting to changing circumstances.

• Ability to uphold and defend proposed approaches; be inventive and influential and lead projects to successful completion.

• Great teammate with excellent social skills, within the team, the office and the wider business.

• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities in English and ideally German

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.