Head of Investment Valuation Blog Post (Chicago)

Experience Level: Analyst/Associate Managing Director/CIO

GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $79 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 52 years and has a diverse, engaged team of approximately 530 professionals serving a global client base. We are proud to offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package focused on health and wellness, retirement planning, and diversity and inclusion. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Sydney.

SUMMARY
As the Head of Valuation, the Executive Director will be responsible for valuation functions related to reporting across the firm’s private equity, real estate, infrastructure, illiquid credit, strategic investments, and absolute return strategies. Responsibilities will include overseeing the management of the periodic financial reporting valuation processes across the firm, including coordination, review, and approval of all investment valuations pursuant to ASC Topic 820.

In addition, the Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing new and growing valuation operations for investment funds to be made available to retail investors through various retail distribution partnerships or channels including registered interval funds. This role will be expected to develop strong working relationships and to demonstrate the ability to work in a cross-functional team across Corporate Accounting, Fund Accounting and Analysis, Treasury, Legal, Tax, external and internal auditors, and the various JV partners and fund service providers.

As an onsite/hybrid employee, you are expected to be in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The individual will be involved in the following critical activities:

• Leading the valuation process across the firm’s investment strategies, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, illiquid credit, strategic investments, and absolute return strategies.
• Oversight of the firm’s quarterly review of illiquid securities valuations across the entire capital structure including common equity, preferred equity, senior debt, mezzanine debt, and warrants.
• Managing a team of valuation professionals by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Serving as a centralized resource and subject matter expert for valuation and related information across the firm.
• Oversight of the daily valuation process of interval funds managed by GCM Grosvenor, including a daily assessment of the fair value of illiquid infrastructure and private equity investments.
• Coordinating with GCM accounting teams, third-party valuation firm, and fund administrators, to ensure valuations updates are reflected in the daily net asset value of the interval funds.
• Assist with the coordination, training, and direction of the investment professionals responsible for valuation preparation.
• Assist with the maintenance and support of the firm’s iLevel cloud-based valuation reporting solution.
• Regularly interact with other groups at the firm including accounting, fund finance, performance reporting, investments, and others.

GENERAL EDUCATION, SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• BA/BS in Finance, Economics, or Accounting with outstanding academic credentials is required. A graduate degree in Business, Finance, or Economics would be additive.
• 12+ years of financial reporting valuation experience at an independent valuation services firm, a valuation group within an accounting firm, or an alternative investment firm. Professional certifications are preferred (i.e., CFA, CPA, CAIA, etc.).
• Alternative investment industry experience, particularly private equity, and an understanding of the concepts and data relating to valuation approaches and methods.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and strong managerial skills, with a track record of managing complex projects or teams with complex responsibilities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills in order to establish trusted relationships across many Firm departments (Corporate Accounting, Fund Accounting and Analysis, Legal, Tax, Human Resources, Corporate Development, Investor Relations) to identify issues, analyze current processes, and implement future changes.
• In-depth knowledge of US GAAP and proficiency in technical accounting research with respect to valuation.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage organizational change and cross-collaborate with non-accounting functions.
• Highly organized and efficient – must be able to process a large volume of information and manage competing priorities with effective detail orientation.
• Ability to operate under pressure and manage to strict deadlines.

In terms of cultural fit, the successful candidate will be self-motivated and energized by working amongst a group of thoughtful, smart, fast-paced and successful colleagues. He or she will be a naturally collaborative individual who enjoys interacting with individuals at all levels. Additionally, he or she will be a strong team player with a proactive approach and the ability to take initiative with discretion and judgment.

CULTURE

We are not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. Welcome change. We are a culture of empowerment, accountability, high performance, and trust. Successful team members are self-motivated and energized by working alongside thoughtful and smart colleagues in a fast-paced environment. Individuals who thrive on this team enjoy being a part of an organization focused on excellence. We look for naturally collaborative individuals who enjoy interacting at all levels of the organization.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

A diverse, engaged team is critical to our ability to successfully create and deliver value to our clients. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse professionals can thrive professionally, and we are dedicated to training, retaining, and promoting minorities, women, LGBTQ employees, veterans and individuals with disabilities. Over 55% of GCM Grosvenor employees and 43% of executive management are women and/or ethnically diverse individuals. In addition, we seek to drive a more diverse, inclusive industry through our partnership with diverse professionals organizations and by consciously working with subcontractors and vendors that are certified as minority-, women-, or persons with disabilities-owned businesses.

ABOUT THE FIRM

GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $80 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 53 years and has a diverse, engaged team of approximately 550 professionals serving a global client base. We are proud to offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package focused on health and wellness, retirement planning, and diversity and inclusion. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com.