About Charles River Associates
Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that offers economic, financial and strategic expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. Since 1965, CRA experts have combined rigorous cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art methodology and proven experience to address our clients’ most complex challenges.
CRA’s Risk, Investigations & Analytics (RIA) practice brings together three complementary sets of expertise, namely forensic accounting, data analytics and corporate investigations, in a unified team.
We offer a multidisciplinary approach to investigations, providing law firms, financial institutions, government regulators, multinational corporations and other organisations worldwide with actionable intelligence and expert advice. CRA’s investigations often require the combination of data analytics, forensic accounting, investigative, cyber, e-discovery and subject matter expertise.
We work together to investigate and develop tailored business intelligence strategies for clients, synthesising vast amounts of information to help our clients foresee challenges, preserve value and make decisions based on authoritative intelligence.
Position Overview
As an Associate in the RIA practice in London, you will support on a broad range of multi-jurisdictional investigative matters, often in a contentious setting. You will contribute research to pre-transactional due diligence, asset traces, fraud and corruption investigations, commercial and investor-state litigation and arbitration support, monitorships, allegations of misconduct, internal investigations, third-party integrity screening and political risk assessments.
You will leverage international open-source materials and human intelligence and compile findings into written reports for a variety of clients, including law firms, financial institutions, multinational corporations and government regulators. Candidates should have experience using global and national investigative databases, working with a range of public record sources and engaging with human intelligence.
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 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. You will have the opportunity to build your career in the business intelligence industry and raise your profile in an entrepreneurial setting.
Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented work environment and have excellent writing skills.
Position Responsibilities
As an Associate you will be involved in open source and human intelligence-led investigations in the context of due diligence, fraud and anti-corruption, litigation and arbitration support and asset tracing.
You will conduct sophisticated research and analysis, drawing on global and national databases while managing multiple workstreams concomitantly. A self-starter, you will often be relied upon to conduct independent research under minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative, perceptiveness, good judgment and the ability to identify and resolve pertinent lines of inquiry.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Preparation of client deliverables via oversight of public record and social media research and collection of human intelligence;
- Involvement in the planning and management of multifaceted investigations from the proposal stage to client delivery;
- 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 case project management and administration;
- Preparation of project proposals and provide support to business development initiatives;
- Assist in the training of junior analysts, as required;
- Willingness to 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.
Desired Qualifications
We are seeking candidates to support our growing investigations offerings. Ideal candidates should possess:
- 2-3 years of relevant work experience in business intelligence and investigations;
- Bachelor's or graduate degree in related disciplines, with prior consulting experience. Professional certifications are beneficial, but not required;
- Proven track record 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 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 or Russian 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
To be considered for this position, we require the following:
- Curriculum Vitae – please include a full CV with current contact information (personal email and telephone number);
- Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA, the Risk, Investigations & Analytics practice, and how this role matches your goals.
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.
