AQR is a global investment firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver long-term results by combining rigorous research with disciplined implementation across global financial markets. Since 1998, AQR has been a leader in alternative investments and an innovator in traditional portfolio management.
Our culture is built around intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We value individuals who enjoy solving complex problems, questioning assumptions, and developing scalable solutions.
The Role
AQR is seeking a highly motivated Trading Operations Analyst / Associate to join its Portfolio Management Operations team.
This role supports the firm’s global trading activity across equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, futures, listed and OTC derivatives. Working closely with Trading, Portfolio Implementation, Technology, and Operations, the successful candidate will help ensure the accurate execution, booking, and lifecycle management of trades while partnering with external brokers, prime brokers, custodians, clearing brokers, and other market participants.
The position offers broad exposure to global markets, trading workflows, and investment operations. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, enjoys solving problems, and is interested in using data and technology to improve operational processes.
Primary Responsibilities
Trading Operations
- Support the trade lifecycle across multiple asset classes from execution through settlement.
- Monitor daily trading workflows and investigate trade, allocation, booking, pricing, and settlement exceptions.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external counterparties to resolve operational issues.
- Support daily production processes, operational controls, and end-of-day signoffs.
- Assist with corporate actions, rights events, foreign exchange workflows, and other portfolio implementation activities.
- Systems ownership and issue resolution across several proprietary and third-party Trading and P&L systems.
Investigation & Analysis
- Research and resolve trade lifecycle discrepancies across multiple internal and external systems.
- Analyze booking differences, commission discrepancies, market fees, taxes, and execution-related issues.
- Escalate complex issues with clear supporting analysis and recommended next steps.
- Maintain ownership of assigned issues through resolution while ensuring timely communication with stakeholders.
- Identify recurring themes and contribute to root-cause analysis and long-term process improvements.
Technology & Process Improvement
- Support testing and implementation of enhancements across trading and operational platforms.
- Utilize Excel, SQL, and other analytical tools to reconcile data and investigate production issues.
- Participate in automation initiatives and workflow optimization projects.
- Assist with documentation, testing, and production readiness for new functionality and system enhancements.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
- 1-3 years of experience in investment operations, trading support, financial markets, or related discipline.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills (including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and Bloomberg Plugin).
- Bloomberg Terminal proficiency.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred
- Experience with SQL or another database-query language is preferred.
- Exposure to Python or another programming language is a plus but not required. Specific use cases surround automation and/or data analysis.
- Experience supporting an OMS, EMS, or comparable trading platform.
- Familiarity with FlexTrade, Adroit, Geneva, CTM, Traiana, or similar systems is a bonus, but not required.
- Exposure to one or many asset classes, including: equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, futures, options, swaps, or other derivative products.
- Experience interacting with executing brokers, prime brokers, custodians, or clearing brokers.
Who You Are
- Curious about financial markets and how trading systems operate.
- Enjoy solving complex operational problems.
- Comfortable working with data and investigating exceptions.
- Calm under pressure and accountable during time-sensitive production events.
- Collaborative and able to work effectively with traders, engineers, portfolio teams, operations professionals, and external counterparties.
- Interested in continuously improving processes rather than simply executing them.
- Motivated to expand technical skills and take on increasing responsibility over time.
The salary range for this role is expected to be $80,000 to $95,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is accurate for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, depending upon factors such as skills, experience, location, or other business and organizational needs. This wage range may also be modified in the future.
This job is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
AQR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/VET/DISABILITY