Associate

About the Client Our client is a global investment management firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver superior, long-term results for our clients by looking at past market noise to identify and isolate what matters most, and by developing ideas that stand up to rigorous testing. Our focus on practical insights and analysis has made us leaders in alternative and traditional strategies since 1998. Employees share a common spirit of academic excellence, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to seeking the truth. We're determined to know what makes financial markets tick – and we'll ask every question and challenge every assumption. We recognize and respect the power of collaboration and believe transparency and openness to new ideas leads to innovation. About the Team: The Market Data & Engineering Vendor Management team is responsible for overseeing firms' Engineering Billing Lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and effective financial governance across all associated processes. The team maintains a comprehensive inventory and business allocation database, performs detailed reconciliations, and supports all aspects of engineering-related vendor billing. In addition to operational oversight, the team fosters strong partnerships with external vendors through proactive communication, timely resolution of inquiries, and periodic contract reviews. With the objective of providing the business with clear financial transparency, the team also produces reports that reflect both current and forecasted expenses across the following two sub-groups: Market Data IT/Software (including Telecommunications) Specific Duties and Responsibilities:  Process and reconcile invoices or purchase orders received on a regular basis.  Generate and provide analysis to assigned due diligence and financial reports on a timely manner.  Assist Market Data & Eng Vendor Mgmt Sr. Assoc in regular process documentation updates  Collaborate with the team on process improvements and projects that may increase the efficiency of the group.  Develop a strong understanding of AQR businesses, services,procedures and processes in order to identify opportunities for improvements  Seek out industry trends to generate and recommend alternative approaches  Look for ways to leverage vendors and service partners to enhance service  Understanding of all vendor agreement terms such as payment models,termination clauses,legal aspects, distribution restrictions in efforts to ensure appropriate usage  Maintaining relationships and provide support to onshore in negotiating contracts with vendors to attain the most favorable terms  Participate in regular exchange and vendor data-use audits  Maintenance and preparation of third-party provider/exchange audit-related documentation  Serve as back up in case an associate is out of office.  Any related process as required by AQR. Requirements Qualifications: 1. The candidate must have a basic understanding of Accounting & Financial Markets. Familiarity with Information Technology is preferred but not required. 2. The ideal candidate should have an understanding of financial products including global equities, futures, swaps, options, FX, OTC derivatives, and fixed income. 3. Excellent English, oral and written, communication skills. 4. Experience managing market data/ software inventory in systems such as Optimize Spend, MDSL and other similar systems 5. Can work with minimal supervision and deliver high quality output 6. Must be highly organized with excellent multi-tasking skills and ability to prioritize activities effectively. 7. Computer and internet proficient, posses at least an intermediate level of MS Excel skillset, basic VBA macro. SQL is an advantage but not required. Education and Experience 1. Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Financial Management, Economics, Accounting or other related business course 2. At least 2 years experience from a multinational company or an accounting-related background, particularly Financial Planning & Analysis is an advantage, not required.