Application Support Analyst

Ariel Investments is a premier, boutique, asset management firm. Our primary goal is to drive exceptional investment returns by bringing diverse perspectives together. The only way to beat a benchmark is to not look like one. As value investors, our thinking is deliberate and unconventional. We offer an independent, patient investing approach and aim to deliver excellence in any environment. We uphold our fiduciary responsibility to every shareholder, no matter how big or small. 

At Ariel, we strongly believe that teamwork yields results—which is why we have Co-CEOs. John Rogers and Mellody Hobson share a desire to cultivate leaders who are curious, focused and disciplined. We are nimble and efficient. Our drive is fanatical and intentional. Everyone plays their position, and each contribution is critical to our firm’s success. We seek subject matter experts who are unapologetically themselves. We encourage our employees to reach their full potential and we give them the runway to do so.   

After four decades of active investing, we remain committed to our clients, our teammates and our community. We strive to be best-in-class investors and pioneer a path for those who entrust us with their financial future.  

 


Position Summary: 

Ariel Investment is looking for an Application Support Analyst to join the team in Chicago. The Application Support Analyst provides investment application support across all areas of the Ariel business.  The role is user-facing, and its purpose is to ensure that the day-to-day (BAU) IT needs of the business are met. The person will deal with a wide variety of support issues and BAU planning activities, supporting a range of applications from 3rd party Front Office systems to bespoke portfolio/order management and quantitative financial modelling platforms. The role also encompasses support, development, and change management tasks across a number of the systems we support.

Responsibilities: 

  • Application Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve technical issues reported by end-users related to the supported applications. Support late night production issues when primary offshore support cannot resolve.
  • User Support and Training: Provide technical support and guidance to end-users in utilizing applications effectively. Offer training sessions or create documentation to assist users in understanding application functionalities and best practices. 
  • Monitoring and Performance: Monitor application performance and proactively identify potential issues or bottlenecks. Optimize application performance to meet service level agreements (SLAs) and user expectations.
  • Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of application issues, troubleshooting steps, resolutions, and user guides to build a knowledge base for future reference.
  • Testing: Conduct testing of new application releases or updates to ensure compatibility and stability with existing systems and configurations.
  • Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process and system improvements to enhance user experience and reduce the frequency of application-related incidents.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with application support, troubleshooting, and incident management.
  • Knowledge of programming languages and scripting (e.g., SQL, Java, Python) is advantageous.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with end-users and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Proactive attitude towards identifying and addressing potential issues.
  • Strong analytical skills to analyze application logs and data to diagnose problems.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Knowledge in Order Management Systems (CRD, XIP, etc..), accounting systems (Eagle Pace)
  • Experience with SAP products Business Objects, Data Services
  • Knowledge of SQL and database management systems.
  • Familiarity with business applications Paycom, SAGE, StarCompliance, etc..

Compliance:

Ariel employees, including the incumbent(s) in this position, are required to: (1) read and strictly adhere to all compliance policies and procedures of the various Ariel entities, as applicable; and (2) work together with their colleagues, including the CCO, to resolve compliance issues.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Diversity:

Ariel celebrates diversity and practices inclusion as a way to get work done – it’s in our DNA. As an equal opportunity employer, employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, parental status (including pregnancy), disability, perceived disability, veteran status, status of military discharge, or any other basis under federal, state, or local law. Ariel prohibits discrimination against an applicant or employee because of their actual or perceived protected characteristic(s), and is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse group of talented applicants, and to providing employees with a workplace free from discrimination and/or harassment.

Equal employment opportunity takes place in all employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, and termination. The firm seeks to uphold an inclusive culture where diversity is recognized and valued. As such, Ariel provides employees a robust benefits package that includes:

  • Coverage for same-sex partner (domestic or spouse)
  • Coverage for children (natural born, step, adopted or foster)
  • Fully paid medical insurance that covers fertility treatments, gender affirmation
  • Employer contributions to a Health Savings Account
  • Maternity leave at 100% pay (12 weeks)
  • Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks depending on tenure)
  • Flexible Your Time Off policy
  • Hybrid work model – in office 3 days a week Tuesday through Thursday (occasional business needs may require being in the office on a remote day)

Lastly, all employees have access to Ariel-sponsored educational, training, and recreational activities.

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