Director, Fund Accounting (Alternative Investments)

WHO WE ARE

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE: WHG) is a boutique asset management firm that offers a diverse array of actively-managed and outcome-oriented investment strategies, along with white-glove trust and wealth services, to institutional, intermediary and private wealth clients. For over 40 years, Westwood's client-first approach has fostered strong, long-term client relationships due to our unwavering commitment to delivering bespoke investment strategies with a vehicle-optimized approach, exceptional counsel and unparalleled client service. Our flexible and agile approach to investing allows us to adapt to constantly changing markets, while continually seeking innovative strategies that meet our investors' short and long-term needs.

Our team at Westwood comes from varied backgrounds and life experiences, which reflects our origins as a woman-founded firm. We are committed to incorporating diverse insights and knowledge into all aspects of our services and solutions. Our culture and approach to our business reflect our core values-integrity, reliability, responsiveness, adaptability, flexibility and collaboration-and underpin our constant pursuit of excellence. For more information on Westwood, please visit westwoodgroup.com. Based in Dallas, Westwood also maintains offices in Chicago and Houston.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director, Fund Accounting (Alternative Investments) is a member of the Westwood Alternatives Operations team focused on supporting the Westwood Alternatives Investment Platform and delivering best-in-class service to our key internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will help build and continually improve key accounting and tax processes and procedures related Westwood alternative investment vehicles, including financial reporting, tax reporting, and data management, and will be a key member of a team in its early stages of institutionalization.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Fund Accounting / Tax

• Lead daily, monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc fund accounting activities, including financial statement reviews, financial and tax reporting, and the audited financial statement process, ensuring financial information is maintained in accordance with U.S. GAAP and internal policies and procedures
• Calculate and review fund expense accruals and allocations, ensuring expenses paid, directly or indirectly, by Westwood alternative investment vehicles are in line with legal and regulatory requirements
• Liaise with third party fund administrator(s) on monthly and quarterly financial statements, expense activity (including expense allocations), fund waterfalls, management fee calculations, and ad hoc investor requests
• Provide detailed review of monthly and quarterly fund workpapers, financial statements, and partner capital account statements prepared by the fund administrator(s)
• Play a key role in annual audits of Westwood investment vehicles, including ongoing interactions with one or more third party accounting firms to conduct each audit
• Manage investment fund tax activities, particularly annual extensions, tax returns, and investor K-1s, alongside one or more third party tax preparers
• Assist the Chief Operating Officer with valuation-related activities related to underlying investments and Westwood investment vehicles
• Research and resolve fund accounting and tax issues in a timely and exceptionally accurate manner

Data Management

• Ensure investment- and fund-level data in internal systems (e.g., CRM) and other files remain up-to-date and exceptionally accurate
• Develop and deliver internal reporting and metrics related to fund accounting data

Cross-Functional

• Collaborate with the Westwood Alternatives Operations team to incorporate best-in-class processes and innovative technology across the team
• Develop strong relationships with key service providers, including fund administrators, auditors, tax preparers, and systems vendors
• Draft and maintain procedure documentation for critical activities and controls
• Assist with requests from key internal stakeholders, including the Investment team, Distribution team, and Legal & Compliance team
• Undertake special projects, as requested

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Minimum Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or related field with a strong record of academic success.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• CPA strongly preferred
• CFA and/or CAIA preferred (or a desire to pursue them is a plus)

Minimum Specific Experience Required

• 8+ years of related work experience, ideally in public accounting or at an institutional-caliber investment management firm (e.g., private equity fund, hedge fund, E&F, family office) (or some combination of both)
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the USA. No visa sponsorship is available.

WHO YOU ARE

• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Strong willingness and desire to learn and grow
• Knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, particularly investment fund accounting
• Superior orientation to detail and accuracy
• Robust and demonstrated quantitative and critical thinking skills
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking capabilities
• Resourcefulness and ability to work effectively under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive and self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Effective listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• High degree of proficiency with the Microsoft Suite of products, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

• The physical demands required to perform the essential duties successfully are consistent with a professional office environment.

Travel

• This position requires