Valuations Associate - Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited - #2113253

Valuations Associate

Place of Work: London

Contract Type: Permanent

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

About the role

In your role as Valuations Associate you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to assist in the performance of investment valuations (primarily illiquid equity and credit interests) and valuation control activity for the Investment segment of USS.

What you will be doing

As a trusted part of the Finance team you will be responsible for:

1. Building a thorough commercial understanding of the scheme’s illiquid equity and credit investments
2. Performing quarterly (and occasional ad hoc) valuations of illiquid credit and equity asset investments

o Drafting of valuation reports in line with regular valuation timetable

o Formulating robust and defensible valuation opinions

o Preliminary review and analysis of business plans and cash flow models

o Development and update of valuation models

o Collation of underlying financial data from investment managers, providing relevant challenge where necessary

1. Performing monthly valuation roll-forward process between quarters
2. Working with the asset management teams (Private Markets Group) to gain an understanding of assets and key developments, and collating relevant management information
3. Preparing valuation reports and committee submissions
4. Assisting in the performance of valuation due diligence reviews
5. Communicating key valuation judgements and conclusions to stakeholders
6. Documenting (and, where appropriate, enhancement)valuation procedures and controls
7. Performing administrative duties for the Investment Valuations function
8. Interacting and liaising with financial control and operations functions for certain key processes and ad hoc queries (e.g., cash flow adjustments, SPV accounting adjustments etc.)
9. Assisting with the performance and delivery of internal project work
10. Assisting external valuation advisers with the performance of the external valuation process
11. Assisting external auditors in the financial audit process

About you

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.

To be successful in the role you will have:

1. Experience of performing business, equity, and/or credit investment valuations as the primary function of a previous or existing role
2. Excellent level of Excel skills
3. Experience of dealing with external clients or influencing at senior level within an organisation
4. Experience of working within investment management, infrastructure or pensions industries in a finance or analyst role
5. Professionally Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or other relevant financial qualification with significant exposure to investment appraisal techniques (e.g. CFA)
6. Experience of performing fixed income / bond valuations in a previous or existing role
7. Financial modelling experience, working with integrated forecast models for large businesses
8. Prior experience of performing financial due diligence assignments

Why join us?

At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!

How we will reward you

1. Great starting salary
2. Generous annual leave package
3. Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation SchemeSupportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
4. Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
5. Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
6. Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
7. Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
8. Cycle to Work Scheme

Our culture and values

Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values:

1. Integrity
2. Collaboration
3. Excellence

About us

Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of