Things to do in December when you’re actively looking

You may have noticed the market is slowing down for the upcoming holiday season. However, there are a few unique opportunities for the right candidates.

In some cases, hiring managers are looking to fill roles within this year’s budgets and would like to put out an offer in the next couple of weeks. If you’re speaking to a recruiter (or hiring manager) and they mention this, give it your full attention as they’re likely to move quickly.

In other cases, we’re [recruiters] anticipating the re-opening of roles in January as stalled mandates become a priority for clients. To that end, it makes a lot of sense to reach out your recruiter in the first couple of weeks in January so you’re on their radar.

For those that are actively seeking employment after being laid off, the holidays are a great time to get organized. Every candidate should be actively working a spreadsheet of clients with either friends or colleagues as a point of contact, or your recruiter as the intermediary. You should be contacting these people every 60-90 days in an effort to be considered for current or upcoming opportunities. The statistics are likely to have changed recently, but the majority of jobs are created around an individual and their unique skills – not the other way around.

By using your time effectively, you may find yourself in a new role by the New Year. If not, you can always be well-positioned to tackle your job search as part of your New Year’s resolution.

Treasury Analyst – Fairfield County, CT

I’m currently looking for recent graduates with a degree in finance or accounting that have an interest in capital markets. My client is a well-capitalized investment bank in lower Connecticut.

If you’re a May or December 2009 graduate that is looking for an entry-level role in lower Fairfield Connecticut, please reach out to me directly at your earliest convenience. The client would like to hire by year-end.

This social media thing

Six months back I got the idea to jump on the social media bandwagon in an effort to get in touch with people in new ways and create deeper connections. By extending my electronic network , I could intelligently tap people I know for an introduction to people they know. Later on, I’d be able to stay in touch with folks and extend our conversations beyond ‘just business’ and create a lasting partnership.

The plan was to center my online presence around this blog, with Twitter and LinkedIn as my two virtual billboards.  If you’re looking at my LinkedIn profile you can see this entry and may be intrigued [ nay, compelled] enough to visit the blog where you’ll see more commentary and some of my open positions. If you’re on Twitter, then you’ll see a small caption and a link to this article with the same intent, you come to visit the blog and see open mandates that you can apply for.

I’ve found that for this to work, I need to actively update this blog. As a virtual ‘list’ of open jobs, the blog is quite boring (sometimes I have trouble just editing it given the lack of activity) and I can understand why people come to visit and typically don’t return. Since I’m a representative of a global search firm, I do have some restrictions on what I can write here so I try to keep things as professional as possible. With these two things in mind, I need to be producing more content for the page on a regular basis.

One other thing I’ve noticed is that for me to drive people here I have to go out and directly market them. On my busier days (26 unique visits), I had likely contacted 50+ people through LinkedIn or other means and sent them to this page. When I stop marketing, people stop visiting (though I’d like to thank my colleagues for their continued ‘support’ -_- ). I always knew that this project would take significant effort, but I could use a little help by way of feedback on the blog or referrals.

In summary, I need to put in more work and I could use some good will from people interested in hearing more about Fairfield County Accounting and Finance. I envision this page can someday share not just open positions, but insight into resume submission and interview processes; local market intelligence; and perhaps even a place for local candidates and client to share their perspectives. With a little sweat equity, some consistency, and perhaps a little luck the next six months I hope we can make this page that much closer to it’s goals.

CPA? Let’s talk.

I’m currently sourcing for a number of roles that share a common theme: CPA experience with hedge funds.

If you or someone you know is has worked in public audit and has hands-on experience with hedge funds and limited partnerships, there are a number of roles in Greenwich, CT I can discuss with you. Years experience range from 2 years (enough to satisfy CPA audit requirement) to six years or more. I can provide a $500 Apple Store incentive to anyone that refers great candidates.

Please reach out to me at 203.905.5223 to discuss your skill set and I can provide descriptions. Interviews to take place immediately.

New Accounting & Finance Opportunities

I’m engaged on several new accounting & finance mandates, ranging from junior (Two years experience) to senior reporting positions. Take an opportunity to review the jobs below and apply directly:

Senior Treasury Associate  Investment Bank –  Fairfield County, CT

Our client is a global investment bank with excellent growth opportunities and high profile exposure to all aspects of the business including the front office.

Job description
The Senior Treasury Associate will be responsible for the following requirements:

• Become acquainted with liquidity limits and relevant liquidity models
• Review and respond to daily liquidity numbers and report issues to various external departments including ops, finance and product control
• Analyze reports for discrepancies and make suggestions to correct variance
• Reconcile daily liquidity ledgers
• Liaise with international treasury and IT to improve treasury reporting processes

Who we are looking for
Our client is looking for a Senior Treasury Associate with the following experience:

• 5-8 years experience in treasury function and versed in liquidity concepts
• Familiarity with financial products including ABS, debt, equities and derivatives
• Familiarity with G/L accounting
• Familiarity with inflows and outflows of repo financing

What’s on offer
A highly competitive base salary beginning at $75,000 + bonus and excellent benefits. Click here to apply directly.

Assistant Controller Hedge Fund – Fairfield County, CT

Our client is an elite hedge fund with over $5b in assets under managements.

Job description
The Assistant Controller will have one direct reports and be responsible for the whole loan accounting, tax and operations. The Assistant Controller will also handle all general ledger accounting for MBS products and SPVs. Preparation of financial statements and development of pricing modules will also be required.

Who we are looking for
Our client is looking for an Assistant Controller with previous MBS and public accounting exposure.

• Direct exposure to MBS products required, includes underlying assets (whole loans, mortgages and REO)
• Public accounting experience required, preferably with Big Four
• Bachelors or graduate degree in Accounting
• Partnership tax experience a plus
• CPA preferred

What’s on offer
Highly competitive base salary beginning at $150000 plus a significant annual bonus and benefits. Apply directly through the job posting.

Senior Accountant Hedge Fund – Fairfield County, CT

Our client is a multi-strategy alternative asset manager with over $10 billion in assets under management.

Job description
Our client is looking for an Accounting candidate with the following experience:

• Perform monthly P&L reconciliations for various funds and managed accounts
• Review and calculate fees, allocations, NAVS and rates of return
• Calculate monthly performance analysis for statements issued to management and clients
• Assist external auditors as needed

Who we are looking for
Our client is looking for candidates that fit the following description:

• Two years experience in a Big 4 public audit firm
• CPA required
• Financial services experience preferred

What’s on offer
Highly competitive base salary starting at $70000 with significant annual bonus. Apply directly through the job posting.

Staff Accountant Broker/Dealer – Fairfield County, CT

Our client is a unique “Sell-side” business that has witnessed tremendous growth despite the tough economy. With a global footprint and the ability to offer employees a great work environment, our client is poised for continued success.

Job description
Our client has engaged us to identify a Staff Accountant candidate as a critical hire in their corporate accounting group. The Senior Accountant candidate will take responsibility for:

• Assisting in the weekly/monthly/annual close
• Preparation and review of journal entries
• Performing variance analysis
• Product ad-hoc reports as assigned

Who we are looking for
Our client is looking for a Staff Accounting candidate with the following experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
• Previous accounting experience required
• Capital Markets accounting a plus
• Motivation and drive, must be fast-paced

What’s on offer
Our client is offering a competitive base starting at $60000 plus bonus. Our client has an excellent benefits package. Apply directly through the posting.

Senior Accountant Broker/Dealer -  Fairfield County, CT

Our client is a unique “Sell-side” business that has witnessed tremendous growth despite the tough economy. With a global footprint and the ability to offer employees a great work environment, our client is poised for continued success.

Job description
Our client has engaged us to identify a Senior Accountant candidate as a critical hire in their corporate accounting group. The Senior Accountant candidate will take responsibility for:

• Assisting in the weekly/monthly/annual close
• Preparation and review of journal entries
• Performing variance analysis
• Product ad-hoc reports as assigned

Who we are looking for
Our client is looking for a Staff Accounting candidate with the following experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
• 3-7 years accounting experience required
• Capital Markets accounting a plus
• Motivation and drive, must be fast-paced

What’s on offer
Our client is offering a competitive base starting at $75000 plus bonus. Our client has an excellent benefits package. Apply directly through the job posting.

Accounting Manager Broker/Dealer – Fairfield County, CT

Our client is a unique “Sell-side” business that has witnessed tremendous growth despite the tough economy. With a global footprint and the ability to offer employees a great work environment, our client is poised for continued success.

Job description
Our client has engaged us to identify an Accounting Manager candidate as a critical hire in their corporate accounting group. The Accounting Manager candidate will take responsibility for:

• Weekly and monthly financial statement analysis and footnote disclosures
• Directly supervise multiple accountants
• Review of intercompany transactions
• Interface with external regulators and auditors

Who we are looking for
Our client is looking for an Accounting Manager candidate with:

• At least five years experience in accounting
• A four-year degree in accounting or finance
• Previous management experience a plus
• CPA a plus

What’s on offer
A highly competitive base salary starting at $85,000 plus bonus. Our client provides excellent benefits. Apply directly through the job posting.

Senior Accountant – Hedge Fund

About the company
Our client is a multi-strategy fund with diverse portfolio investments.

Job description
Our client is looking for an experienced accounting candidate to serve as the primary accountant for the management company books. The Senior Accountant will play a key role in not only the management company’s books and financials, but in reporting revenue from various funds and several subsidiaries.

This opportunity will provide the Senior Accountant will exposure to a variety of investment vehicles, US GAAP compliance financial statements, partnership taxation and accounting for high-net worth individuals.

Who we are looking for
Our client is looking for an accounting candidate with the following experience:

• A four year degree in accounting
• Two years or more experience in public audit focused on investment partnerships
• Strong technical accounting, experience producing financials for GAAP-compliant clients
• Excellent communication, role will interface with Managing Partners

What’s on offer
A highly competitive base salary beginning at $60,000, a competitive discretionary bonus, and excellent benefits

If interested, please apply directly through the posting.

Fund Accountant – Hedge Fund

Our client, located in Fairfield County, CT, is a newly created hedge fund with an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to make a difference. This particular group incorporates a Global Macro strategy focusing on FX and commodities.

Our client is looking for a junior candidate with previous hedge fund or public accounting experience. The ideal candidate will be responsible for:

*Producing and reviewing the daily/monthly P&L

*Calculating NAVs and finalizing for management/client review

*Assist in preparation of management financial statements

*Assist Operations team as necessary with product settlement

The ideal candidate will have a four-year degree in Finance or Accounting and have 1-2 years experience in a hedge fund accounting position, or in a public audit firm focusing on privately held asset management clients. This is an opportunity for exceptional growth and added responsibility.

Our client is offering a base salary beginning at $60,000 plus discretionary bonus. Exceptional benefits are also included.

Fund Accounting Consultant – Hedge Fund

Our client is a top-tier hedge fund focusing on asset-backed securities.

Our client is looking for a Fund Accounting consultant to join the team for one to two months to assist with the quarterly close. The ideal candidate will be responsible for tying out the different aspects of the fund’s ledger accounts, and providing the necessary commentary for financial statements.

Our client is looking for a Fund Accountant with the following experience:

*2 to 5 years plus public accounting experience, preferably reviewing hedge fund clients (private hedge fund accounting experience will be considered)
*A degree in accounting and strong understanding of the fundamentals of GAAP accounting
*CPA a plus
*Direct experience accounting for and/or valuing asset-backed securities is a plus
*Flexibility to consult and remain on staff as long as is needed

Our client is offering a competitive hourly rate beginning at $35/hr.

Please contact me directly if interested.

This Week’s Round-Up

If you’ve been tracking the activity on here, then you’ve noticed that there have been a number of new positions opening across Fairfield and Westchester County this week.

While most of the newly-created opportunities are taking place in accounting, a number of funds have opted to back-fill positions lost during the downsizing that’s taken place in late 2008 and early 2009.

The newly-created roles trend toward accountants with public accounting experience and their CPA credentials. This is a clear sign that a number of privately-held funds are looking to strengthen their back office controls with candidates that have strong technical accounting.

Other offices are still dealing with an overwhelming workload, and simply need experienced people with the appropriate skills to come in and hit the ground running. These firms are usually looking for people that have direct experience with the products the fund is trading. In addition, trade and accounting systems experience becomes increasingly important. Solid excel (lookups, tables, VBA/macros nice to have) will put the right candidates ahead of the pack.

If you or someone you know comes from an accounting or finance background and are looking to make a move, please feel free to reach out to me. I can be contacted directly at 203.905.5223 or csnow@michaelpage.us.com. Alternatively, you can follow my job postings on Twitter @csnowsource (linked to the right).

Fund Accountant – Asset Manager

Offical Job Posting

Our client is a premiere Asset Management organization with a focus on long-term investments and planning. Their investment strategy is broad in scope and tailored for individual investors.

Our client, a very well capitalized asset manager, is looking for a Fund Accountant with experience in management and client reporting. The Fund Accountant will be responsible for management fees, P&L from various product lines, and reporting.

The ideal candidate will have:

*A Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance
*Previous accounting experience, ideally responsible for management reporting
*Product control or Fund accounting experience is a plus

A competitive base salary beginning at $45,000 + benefits. Please apply directly through the posting.