Lead Expense Management Analyst - job 2 of 2

As a Lead Expense Management Analyst at the Office of the New York City Comptroller, your main responsibilities include verifying and processing invoices from Investment Managers, ensuring proper funding and payment processing, preparing detailed fee verification worksheets, and maintaining accurate records of financial transactions. Additionally, you will reconcile fee accruals and payments, manage accounting adjustments, and provide high-level reporting on the payment processing metrics.

To qualify for the Lead Expense Management Analyst position at the Office of the New York City Comptroller, applicants must be current employees in a permanent Investment Analyst title. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field— supplemented by credits in accounting, finance, law, or similar disciplines—is required. You should also possess experience in investment activities, preferably within government agencies or financial institutions.

The Lead Expense Management Analyst plays a crucial role in ensuring that the New York City Retirement System's expansive investment portfolio is managed efficiently. By verifying invoices and ensuring accurate payments to Investment Managers and service providers, you ensure that funds are allocated correctly, which helps in maximizing the portfolio's overall performance and maintaining financial integrity.

At the Office of the New York City Comptroller, a Lead Expense Management Analyst can expect a collaborative and inclusive team environment. The Bureau of Asset Management fosters a culture of cooperation and support, where professionals work together towards common goals while sharing their insights and experiences. You'll find opportunities to mentor and train upcoming team members as well, creating a rich environment of learning.

This Lead Expense Management Analyst position is unique because it offers the chance to work intimately with a substantial investment portfolio of approximately $254 billion, primarily managed with external partners. This role provides the opportunity to not only hone your financial and analytical skills but to make a notable impact on public finances in New York City.

In your response, highlight specific instances where you verified or processed investment management invoices. Discuss the steps you took to ensure accuracy and compliance with contractual obligations, which demonstrates your attention to detail and analytical skills relevant to the Lead Expense Management Analyst role.

It's essential to outline a systematic approach to fee reconciliation. Discuss the methods you use to track discrepancies, such as maintaining detailed logs and following up with relevant parties when inconsistencies arise. Highlighting specific software or tools you’ve used can also strengthen your answer.

To answer this, focus on the processes you employ for double-checking figures, reviewing preliminary reports with team members, and how you incorporate feedback. Providing examples of successful report submissions can showcase your reliability and accountability in your previous positions.

Here, you want to detail any past experiences where you were responsible for onboarding new employees or mentoring junior analysts. Discuss your methods for training and how you ensure all team members are on the same page regarding financial processes and compliance standards.

When answering this question, share a specific example involving complex financial data or diverging opinions between team members. Outline your steps in addressing the issue, including any negotiations or calibrations made to reach a resolution, thus reflecting your problem-solving ability.

Demonstrating knowledge of the specific investments managed by the Office emphasizes preparedness. Mention the types of securities involved, like public equities and private equity, and express how your experience prepares you to handle the financial intricacies of such a large portfolio.

Explain how accurate accrual management is crucial for financial transparency and accountability. Illustrate how it affects fiscal reports and stakeholder trust, particularly in a public sector context, making a case for your understanding of the weighing implications.

List any specific payment processing systems you've utilized in previous roles, explaining briefly how these systems work. Detail your familiarity with overseeing payments and tracking statuses, emphasizing your ability to manage financial workflows efficiently.

Share your approach to time management, such as using tracking tools or prioritizing based on urgency and importance. Offer examples where you successfully met tight deadlines to show your adaptability and organizational skills.

While answering, consider common hurdles in managing expenses, such as delays in invoice processing. Suggest actionable steps for improvement, such as implementing software solutions or reorganizing workflow processes, displaying your forward-thinking and innovative mindset.