Graduate Trainee (Apprentice), Global Operations

About the Role

• Graduate Trainee/Apprenticeship – Global Operations
• 12-month program blending theoretical knowledge with on-the-job training.
• Gain valuable industry exposure, develop essential soft skills, and acclimate to a professional corporate environment.
• Reporting To: Associate Manager, Fund Administration
• Shift: EMEA (1:30 pm - 10:30 pm IST) (India)

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and quality preparation of Annual, Semi-Annual, and Quarterly financial reports for ’40 Act funds (Russell Investment Company and Russell Investment Funds).
• Handle annual reporting for institutional funds (Russell Trust Company and Russell Institutional Funds LLC).
• Oversee, coordinate, and execute planning, organizing, training, and leadership to achieve stated goals. Serve as a link between staff and management.
• Work with other teams within and outside of Fund Administration to complete routine, project-based, and ad-hoc deliverables for Russell’s fund products.
• Post periodic journal entries, manage partnership accounting/allocations, and prepare various disclosures for alternative investment funds.
• Engage with custodians, internal groups, external auditors, and other key stakeholders to coordinate reporting cycles.
• Participate in projects to streamline the financial operating environment.
• Evaluate and document policies, procedures, and internal controls related to the financial reporting process.
• Work directly with external service providers, data providers, external auditors, and multiple groups within Russell to support financial projects for the funds.
• Prepare and review internal reports, sub-schedules, and calculations supporting the financial statement process for traditional funds.
• Ensure timely delivery of Financial Statements as per US GAAP, AICPA, and SEC.
• Knowledge of regulatory reports including N-Port.
• Provide audit support.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Good knowledge of US GAAP, the Investment Company Act of 1940, U.S. Internal Revenue Code, CFTC Rules, ERISA, and UCITS (a plus).
• Understanding of Fund Accounting for mutual funds, commingled funds, LLC funds, and private equity funds.
• Working knowledge of ERISA regulations, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Exchange Acts of 1933 and 1934.
• Ability to interpret accounting/financial information and understand its impact on financial statements, notes, and disclosures.
• Extensive knowledge of investment products and securities, including complex derivative instruments such as swaps, futures, and options.
• Working knowledge of the relationships and interactions between investment managers and administrators/custodians/transfer agents.
• Knowledge and understanding of SQL and VBA (Preferred).
• Knowledge/Experience with Confluence ASP Reporting System (Preferred).
• Experience with 38a-1 requirements and Sarbanes-Oxley testing (Preferred).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Vendors, Auditors, business units, and other key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a highly functioning team, open to new ideas and disciplines.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure with minimal supervision to meet deadlines; demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, research solutions, prioritize workload, and resolve regulatory testing issues.
• Very strong tools-based knowledge including Excel, Access, and other applicable applications in a LAN-based environment.
• Mindset of improving processes with data and workflow automation.
• Ability to communicate complex technical details to all levels of management.
• Proficient in MS Office and manage large volumes of email correspondence.
• Ability to act with discretion and maintain complete confidentiality.

Qualifications

• CA, CPA, or similar (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Eligibility

• Should not be self-employed.
• Should not be enrolled under other government-funded programs.
• Should not be practicing professionally at the time of application.
• Should not be registered on EPF/ ESIC Portal.
• Should not have completed their education from a foreign university.
• Apprentices must have their Aadhaar seeded with their personal mobile number and personal email address.