Name: Artan Istrefi.
Job Title: Senior Associate – Private Equity.
Organisation: SS&C GlobeOp.
Number of years in current position:
Recently moved:
Current: SS&C GlobeOp – May 2016 to Present.
Previously: Citco Fund Services (Senior Hedge Fund Accountant) – Nov 2014 to May 2016.
Qualifications:
Degree: BSc Mathematics 2:1
Currently studying for CFA Level 1
(The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program is a professional credential offered internationally by the American-based CFA Institute to investment and financial professionals.)
Briefly describe the organisation you work for:
SS&C is a fund administrator providing financial services to hedge funds, fund of funds, private equity funds, family wealth offices, and managed accounts.
Explain what you do on an average day at work:
My deadlines revolve around monthly and quarterly commitments to our clients, where I deliver a monthly NAV (Net Asset Valuation) and quarterly Financial Statement on top of any ad hoc reporting that’s required. As part of the fund accounting team my daily tasks evolve around maintaining accounts and performing analysis as well as reporting on my client’s portfolios in preparation of the periodic deliverables.
What do you like most about your job?
It’s definitely challenging – dealing with high end clients and with the deadlines involved it keeps the work interesting. For anyone who wants to learn the investment industry it’s a great place/area to work in.
What stimulated your interest in maths, and when?
Something that was instilled into me from a young age from my parents – I’ve always had a knack for it.
What influenced your career choice?
A mix of the skills I gained from my years in education, particularly my degree and the ambition to work in the investment industry meant this sector was right for me. I’m able to produce as well as maintain an interest in what I’m doing.
Which skills do you consider to be essential for your job?
In order to do well, the main one would have to be your analytical ability – something that is definitely enhanced doing a maths degree. Secondary to that would be your ability to be organised and not let the workload get on top of you.
Any advice you may have for other individuals considering your career path?
You won’t regret it. It’s a great industry with the scope to achieve anything you want as well as the perks and the potential financial rewards further down the line make it worth it.
Regardless of which career path you choose, do some research in advance, there may be a career that’s perfect for you that you’ve not even heard of.
Your future career plans?
Get through the CFA and go from there.
