Operational Due Diligence Analyst

Position Overview:

Aksia is actively seeking an Analyst to join our growing Operational Due Diligence (“ODD”) team, which is currently comprised of over 60 individuals globally (located in the U.S., Europe. and Asia). Aksia’s ODD process seeks to uncover potential operational and business risks of alternative investment managers, including hedge funds, private equity, private credit and real assets. As a member of the team, the Analyst will gain exposure to Aksia’s asset class coverage and play an active role in conducting on-site meetings with fund managers, engaging with third-party service providers, and analyzing key documents (e.g., background checks, legal documents, financial reports, etc.). Analysts work with senior members of the team to synthesize findings from the due diligence process in order to identify potential operational risks (including fraud, ESG risks and conflicts of interest). These findings are summarized into written reports which are presented to our clients to guide them towards best-in-class managers in the alternatives space.

Through training and on-the-job experience, new hires will develop both the subjective and objective skills necessary to assess the business risks of alternative funds from the perspective of an institutional investor. Over time, analysts grow to become subject matter experts across the spectrum of alternative investment strategies and are encouraged to forge relationships throughout the industry.

This position is based in Aksia’s Dubai office and will involve working under supervision of the London ODD team. The role will involve visiting managers on-site in the GCC region, as well as supporting the London team with European manager meetings remotely.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct operational due diligence meetings with key non-investment professionals (e.g., CFO, CCO, COO) at alternative investment fund managers (travel may be required)
• Perform detailed reviews of relevant documentation
• Draft written research reports summarizing operational procedures and assessing potential business risks, including fraud, back-office sufficiency, and conflicts of interest
• Collaborate with ODD team members and other internal teams to discuss findings
• Communicate research findings to clients
• Support other teams in the region with ad hoc tasks
  
  

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of financial services audit, assurance, and/or accounting experience
• ACA or CA qualifications desired but not prerequisite
• Solid academic record
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to think analytically and critically
• Attention to detail
• Comfort multi-tasking across projects
• Curiosity and positive attitude
• Collaborative and enjoys working in a team
• Arabic and English languages are a requirement with written proficiency