About Charles River Associates
For over 50 years, Charles River Associates has been one of the world’s premier consulting firms, offering employees a place to collaborate with, and learn from, a diverse group of consultants, industry experts and academics.
At CRA you will join leading minds who use economic, financial, technical and business analysis to solve complex problems for an impressive roster of clients.
CRA offers a collaborative environment, with teams who strive for client excellence by bringing curiosity, resourcefulness and initiative to their work. Through a collegial atmosphere, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you accelerate your career.
The Risk, Investigations & Analytics Practice
CRA’s Risk, Investigations & Analytics (RIA) practice brings together three complementary sets of expertise in a unified team: forensic accounting, data analytics and corporate investigations.
We offer a multidisciplinary approach to investigations. We provide law firms, financial institutions, government regulators, multinational corporations and other organisations with actionable intelligence and expert advice. CRA’s investigations often combine expertise in data analytics, forensic accounting, investigations, cyber threats and e-discovery with sector-specific experience.
We work together to investigate and develop tailored business intelligence strategies for clients. We synthesise vast amounts of information to help our clients foresee challenges, mitigate risk, preserve value and make decisions based on authoritative intelligence.
Position Overview
We are seeking candidates at the Consulting Associate level. As a Consulting Associate in the RIA practice in London, the successful candidate will support on a broad range of multi-jurisdictional investigative matters, often in a contentious setting. They will perform in-depth research and sophisticated analysis in the context of pre-transactional due diligence, asset tracing matters, fraud and corruption investigations, litigation and arbitration support, monitorships, allegations of misconduct, third-party integrity screening and political risk assessments. They will have the opportunity to build their career in the business intelligence industry and raise their profile in an entrepreneurial setting.
They will leverage international open-source materials and human intelligence to compile and report findings to a variety of clients, including law firms, financial institutions, multinational corporations and government regulators. Candidates should have experience using third-party global and national investigative databases, working with a range of public record sources and engaging with human intelligence, while managing multiple workstreams concomitantly.
Candidates should expect to work hand-in-hand with our forensic accounting and data analytics colleagues, as required.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished, highly driven and versatile investigator. They will have sharp analytical skills, a resilient work ethic and a proven record of producing high quality research in a commercial setting. They will exhibit compelling written and communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate their findings to internal and external stakeholders. They will also display demonstrable interpersonal skills and easily build relationships with senior management, analysts and clients. They must have an inquisitive and critical mindset, a proactive attitude to work and a creative approach to problem solving.
Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented work environment. A self-starter, they will often be relied upon to conduct independent research under minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative, perceptiveness, good judgement and the ability to identify and resolve pertinent lines of inquiry.
Role level will be agreed depending on the experience of the candidate.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities will include:
• Involvement in the planning and management of multifaceted investigations from the proposal stage to client delivery;
• Public record and social media research and collection of human intelligence in multiple jurisdictions;
• Preparation of client deliverables;
• Liaise with internal and external resources for ongoing casework;
• Deliver written and verbal briefings to senior management and clients on research findings;
• Coordinate with case managers on project deliverables, status and reporting deadlines;
• Involvement in broader project management and administration;
• Prepare project proposals and support overall business development and marketing initiatives;
• Assist in the training of junior analysts, as required;
• Participate in practice, office and corporate initiatives;
• Foster a collegiate and entrepreneurial working environment that promotes professional growth and development; and,
• Identify and develop resources useful for investigative research.
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates to support our growing investigations offerings. Ideal candidates should possess:
• 2-4 years of relevant work experience in corporate investigations and business intelligence;
• Bachelor's or graduate degree in related disciplines, with prior consulting experience. Professional certifications are beneficial, but not required;
• Proven track record of working on a range of investigative matters, including pre-transactional due diligence, asset traces and fraud investigations, from both a research and management standpoint;
• Deep knowledge of global investigative research tools and databases. Experience of i2 is desirable;
• Demonstrable analytical, problem-solving and compelling oral and written English language communication skills;
• Fluency in at least one language other than English is preferable. Proficiency in Arabic, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Ukrainian, Swedish, Greek or Turkish is advised;
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks under pressure, manage multiple time-sensitive workstreams, be attentive to detail and meet timely deadlines;
• Proven experience identifying adverse issues, evaluating sources, and assessing the completeness and accuracy of public records;
• A high level of initiative and intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic and a high level of professionalism;
• A willingness to work primarily in the office in a collegial and entrepreneurial environment;
• A working knowledge of financial, commercial and legal concepts and a genuine interest in international affairs and global markets; and,
• Experience living or working abroad is desirable.
To Apply
Applicants should apply by means of a full curriculum vitae and covering letter detailing why you are interested in a role with the Risk, Investigations and Analytics practice.
Work Location Flexibility
CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognise that individuals realise a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client's location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team. At certain times of the year (e.g. holiday periods), additional remote work options are offered to those whose work commitments permit it, although our offices remain open for those who choose or need to be there.
Our Commitment to Diversity
Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (Equality Act 2010). As part of our focus on equity and inclusion, we work to ensure a fair and consistent hiring process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
