What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Associate position at 1st & Main Growth Partners?
THE COMPANY
1st & Main Growth Partners is a leading investor in U.S.-based, small financial service and financial technology companies. Over 40 years, the firm has deployed $6B in capital across 11 funds and invested in 3,450 companies. Currently, the team is comprised of 8 investment professionals and four operations staff members across offices in Chicago and Florida.
THE ROLE
We are looking to hire an Associate on the Finance team. You will work closely with our Chief Sourcing Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Research. Your contributions will be essential to our firm and fund(s) finance activities, including fund administrator accounting oversight, fund audits, reporting, valuation procedures, and other key operational processes. Additionally, we are looking for someone to tackle long-term, ad hoc projects. This is a full-time position based in Chicago.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Financial & Operational Support: Partner with the Investment teams to meet business objectives.
- New Structures/Funds Set-Up: Support the creation of new funds, ensuring proper operating frameworks.
- Fund Accounting Review: Ensure high-quality financial deliverables and accurate financial statements.
- Reporting: Assist in delivering fund and regulatory reporting.
- Data: Collect and update monthly market data for benchmarking as well as fund performance data.
- Third-Party Oversight: Manage relationships with fund administration providers and other service providers.
- Audit Support: Liaise with external auditors to address and complete audit queries on time.
- Capital Events: Support the Chief Financial Officer on capital calls, distributions, and equalizations.
- Control & Risk Frameworks: Adhere to and refine control and risk procedures.
- Ad-Hoc Projects: Participate in various projects and tasks as needed.
- Transaction Support: Ensure smooth transaction closings for new investments.
- Fund Sales, Extensions, Liquidations: Assist with these processes as needed.
- Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal colleagues and external clients and partners.
- Valuation Committee Meetings: Attend quarterly meetings to provide updates on investment performance.
- Annual Partners Meeting: Prepare financial deliverables and accurate financial statements for the Annual Partners Meeting.
- Data Room Management: Manage the organization’s data room contents and help respond to data requests from limited partners and other third-party key stakeholders
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years of related work experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
- Background in Audit / Fund Administration role.
- Recognized accounting qualification with strong accounting skills.
- Broad knowledge of private markets, especially Private Equity and Venture Capital.
- Experience in designing and understanding internal control frameworks.
- Ability to present processes, controls, and procedures clearly.
- Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience with AI tools, such as Chat GPT, Gemini, Claude, and more.
- Proactive and operates with integrity.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Professional skepticism, ensuring accuracy and sense-making.
- Problem-solving mindset, with an interest in finding solutions and addressing root causes.
PERKS
- Competitive salary
- Full insurance benefits
- Retirement plan
- Paid vacation
- Hybrid work policy