Private Markets Specialist

The Private Markets Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration, accounting, reporting, and operational activities of private market investments, including private debt, private equity, senior loans, fixed income, mortgages, and other alternative asset classes.

The role ensures the accurate and timely execution of operational processes, transaction processing, fund administration activities, financial reporting, reconciliations, cash management, and client deliverables. Working closely with investment teams, finance, custodians, fund administrators, and external partners, the incumbent helps maintain a strong control environment while supporting business growth, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The position requires strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and client service.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Operations & Transaction Management

• Process and monitor investment transactions, including capital calls, distributions, trade settlements, funding activities, and cash movements.
• Support the onboarding, setup, and maintenance of investment and security master data across systems.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, custodians, administrators, and external partners to ensure timely and accurate transaction processing.
• Monitor and resolve operational exceptions and discrepancies in investment records.
• Maintain investment and portfolio data to support operational and reporting requirements.

Fund Administration & Accounting

• Support fund administration activities, including Net Asset Value (NAV) oversight, fund accounting reviews, and portfolio accounting processes.
• Review and reconcile cash, holdings, and general ledger accounts between internal records and third-party administrators or custodians.
• Assist with capital activity calculations, including capital calls, distributions, and investor allocations.
• Ensure fund-related activities are completed in accordance with established procedures and reporting timelines.
• Contribute to month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare, review, and support financial reports, management reports, and client deliverables.
• Perform account reconciliations, variance analysis, and reporting validations.
• Assist in the preparation and review of financial statements and reporting packages.
• Support governance, regulatory, and management reporting requirements.
• Provide insights and analysis to support business and operational decision-making.

Cash Management & Reconciliation

• Monitor and reconcile cash balances, transactions, and investment activity.
• Assist in preparing cash forecasts and fund liquidity projections.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation breaks and operational discrepancies.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of cash and position records.

Risk, Compliance & Control

• Adhere to internal policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audit activities by providing required documentation and analysis.
• Maintain a robust control environment through adherence to operational controls and escalation procedures.
• Identify operational risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure documentation and procedures remain current and aligned with business requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate effectively with investment teams, finance, operations, compliance, technology, and external service providers.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries related to investment operations, accounting, and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across multiple business functions.
• Provide support for management requests, business initiatives, and strategic projects.

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery.
• Participate in automation, technology enhancement, migration, and transformation initiatives.
• Contribute to process documentation, workflow optimization, and operational best practices.
• Support implementation of new products, systems, and operational models.
• Participate in special projects and strategic initiatives as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Management, or a related discipline.

• Relevant experience in Private Markets, Alternative Investments, Investment Operations, Fund Accounting, Financial Reporting, Asset Management, Banking, or Financial Services.
• Experience working with private debt, private equity, senior loans, mortgages, fixed income, or other alternative investments is an advantage.

• Strong knowledge of investment operations, fund accounting, and financial reporting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with reporting, visualization, and workflow tools such as Power BI and PowerApps is an advantage.
• Familiarity with investment accounting and fund administration platforms (e.g., Investran, SimCorp, Workiva, Yardi, DealGen, SCD, or similar systems) is preferred.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and data management skills.

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact hr@manulife.com.