Client Services Specialist III, Collective Investment Trust Officer

Specialist III, CIT Finance, IMS, Oaks

As a Specialist III on the Collective Investment Trust (CIT) team, you will assist the team in fulfilling its multifaceted responsibilities related to overseeing the CIT business and other aspects of the IMS product offering that involve SEI affiliates.

SEI’s CIT Team is responsible for establishing and maintaining collective trusts under the requirements of its direct regulator and the standards of the Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service, and other regulatory bodies. The team works closely with internal divisions, including ITA, IFS, Compliance, Legal, and other key business partners. The CIT Team currently supports more than 700 collective funds with approximately $225 billion in assets under management and works with more than 190 investment sub-advisors.

What you will do:

• Coordinate and oversee CIT audits, including: Assist with engaging Big Four accounting firms to audit the financial statements of SEI’s CITs, including obtaining Board approval. Represent the CIT Team on recurring calls with auditors and key internal and external stakeholders, including fund accounting, financial reporting, and applicable investment managers. Oversee each audit cycle to help ensure deliverables and release dates are met. Coordinate audit-related deliverables, including management representation letters, auditor inquiries, FIN 48 memos, going concern memos, and legal letters. Assist with the fund liquidation audit process.
• Serve as a liaison with internal and external fund administrators and accounting providers on matters impacting the CIT book of business.
• Assist with designing and implementing appropriate policies, procedures, and controls.
• Ensure operational errors are appropriately escalated and remediated promptly in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Support the oversight of fees and expenses, including revenue reporting and the implementation of fee changes.
• Manage a dedicated group of clients from implementation through ongoing servicing.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned clients, helping ensure their ongoing needs are met.
• Monitor and report on fund accounting provider service levels.
• Facilitate initial and ongoing vendor reviews of internal and external fund accounting providers for approval by the Trust Operations Committee.
• Exercise appropriate professional oversight to help ensure requested support and product enhancements remain within appropriate levels of risk.
• Support management with projects and strategic initiatives.
• Assist with developing processes and practices that improve the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the business.
• Collaborate with team members and internal and external partners to support client needs.
• Participate in IMS and corporate professional development opportunities to broaden your knowledge, identify opportunities for improvement, and continue growing your career.

What we need from you:

• BS/BA degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• CPA, MBA, MS in Accounting/Finance, or another relevant advanced degree desired.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fund accounting, operations, audit, risk management, compliance, or a related area preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and standards within the investment management industry, including GAAP.
• Strong understanding of risks and controls, with the ability to independently develop and implement audit programs.
• Experience with alternative investment vehicles preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Knowledge of CITs and the regulatory framework governing CITs desired.
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to work independently as a self-starter.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
• Regular and reliable attendance in accordance with position, business, and/or client needs.

What we would like from you:

• A desire to broaden your knowledge of the financial services industry by learning new concepts and systems and applying them to your daily responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality deliverables.
• A collaborative approach to working with internal and external stakeholders, with the flexibility to adapt as client and business needs evolve.
• A positive, collegial approach when supporting colleagues and clients and contributing to a team environment.
• Curiosity and critical-thinking skills, with a willingness to identify solutions and help implement more efficient processes and procedures.
• A commitment to embodying SEI’s values of courage, integrity, collaboration, inclusion, connection, and fun. Please visit the SEI website for more information.

SEI’s competitive advantage:

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive care for your physical and mental well-being, a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, support for working parents and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about. 

Benefits include healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription, wellness, EAP, FSA), life and disability insurance (premiums paid for base coverage), 401(k) match, education assistance, commuter benefits, up to 11 paid holidays/year, 21 days PTO/year pro-rated for new hires which increases over time, paid parental leave, back-up childcare arrangements, paid volunteer days, a discounted stock purchase plan, investment options, access to thriving employee networks and more.

We are a technology and asset management company delivering on our promise of building brave futures (SM)—for our clients, our communities, and ourselves.  Come build your brave future at SEI.  

The position title reflected in this job description is aligned with SEI's current internal job architecture. As part of SEI's role and career framework, internal job titles may not directly correspond to external market titles and may differ from titles previously assigned during an employee's tenure or at the time of hire.

SEI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and so much more…

After over 50 years in business, SEI remains a leading global provider of investment processing, investment management, and investment operations solutions. Reflecting our experience within financial services and financial technology our offices encompass an open floor plan and numerous art installations designed to encourage innovation and creativity in our workforce. We recognize that our people are our most valuable asset and that a healthy, happy, and motivated workforce is key to our continued growth. At SEI, we’re (literally) invested in your success. We offer our employees paid parental leave, back-up childcare arrangements, paid volunteer days, education assistance and access to thriving employee networks. 

SEI is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

AI Acceptable Use in the application and interview process:

SEI acknowledges the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into individuals’ personal and professional lives.  If you intend to incorporate the use of any AI tools at any stage of the application and/or interview process, please ensure you have reviewed and adhere to our AI use guidelines.