Associate - Valuation Oversight

About the role

The role centers on executing the valuation function end-to-end for AQR's U.S. mutual funds, UCITS, private funds, and separate account structures, ensuring valuations are well governed, timely, accurate, and aligned with applicable regulatory requirements. You will define and execute the valuation strategy and operating model, driving process enhancements, control improvements, and scalability across asset classes and investment vehicles while exercising independent judgment and providing effective challenge. The position requires overseeing and actively engaging in daily and periodic valuation activities, including evaluating complex and less liquid positions, challenging third-party pricing, and analyzing pricing exceptions and valuation issues. You will apply independent technical judgment to evaluate valuation methodologies, assumptions, and inputs, including models and unobservable inputs, to support well-reasoned valuation conclusions. This individual will work closely with adjacent functions including fund treasury, risk, compliance, operations, portfolio management, legal, and third-party administrators to shape the future state of the valuation operating model. You will oversee pricing vendors and third-party service providers, including due diligence, methodology review, ongoing monitoring, and accountability for quality, transparency, and performance. The role involves identifying valuation risks and process gaps, and proactively implementing enhancements to strengthen controls, efficiency, and overall effectiveness. You will work with auditors on valuation matters, including supporting audits and facilitating detailed review of methodologies, assumptions, and controls.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute the valuation function end-to-end, including valuation committee materials and support of fair value determinations through established governance processes.
• Define and execute the valuation strategy and operating model, driving process enhancements, control improvements, and scalability across asset classes and investment vehicles.
• Oversee and actively engage in daily and periodic valuation activities, including evaluating complex and less liquid positions, challenging third-party pricing, and analyzing pricing exceptions and valuation issues.
• Apply independent technical judgment to evaluate valuation methodologies, assumptions, and inputs (including models and unobservable inputs), and support well-reasoned valuation conclusions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (including SEC Rule 2a-5 and UCITS), maintaining a robust control and documentation framework.
• Oversee pricing vendors and third-party service providers, including due diligence, methodology review, ongoing monitoring, and accountability for quality, transparency, and performance, as well as oversight of price challenge and escalation processes.
• Identify valuation risks and process gaps, and proactively implement enhancements to strengthen controls, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
• Work with auditors on valuation matters, including supporting audits and facilitating detailed review of methodologies, assumptions, and controls.
• Design, review, and oversee complex valuation models, ensuring alignment with industry practices and regulatory expectations.
• Partner with fund treasury to ensure accurate pricing and liquidity management within established policies.
• Collaborate with risk management to monitor and mitigate valuation-related risks across the investment lifecycle.
• Liaise with compliance to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and internal policy frameworks.
• Support the development of best-in-class documentation for valuation policies, procedures, and controls.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the valuation process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as finance, economics, mathematics, or engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in financial services, investment operations, or valuation oversight within a complex investment environment.
• Strong knowledge of valuation principles, methodologies, and regulatory requirements, including SEC Rule 2a-5 and UCITS.
• Proven ability to analyze complex financial instruments and less liquid assets.
• Excellent understanding of pricing models, assumptions, and the application of unobservable inputs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and draw well-reasoned conclusions.
• Demonstrated experience with valuation committees and governance processes.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in a regulated environment.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, matrixed organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and collaboration.

Practical notes

• The engagement details, including specific hours, travel requirements, visa sponsorship information, and application deadlines, are not provided in the source material. Therefore, no practical notes can be confirmed at this time.