Helena Polas
Head of Investment Operations & Valuation Governance @UniSuper
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WORK HISTORY
Head of Investment Operations & Valuation Governance @UniSuper
Investment operations leader with a proven track record in building and developing high-performing teams and driving strategic change across UniSuper. Responsible for overseeing daily crediting rate pricing, rigorous investment valuation governance, complex fund accounting processes, and special purpose vehicle (SPV) reporting to ensure the highest standards of transparency and auditability. Deeply committed to protecting members’ interests through robust investment governance (SPS 530), operational excellence, and the implementation of comprehensive risk controls. Skilled at partnering closely with Investments, Risk, Member Services, Technology, and Product teams to foster collaboration and deliver seamless solutions across the business. Experienced in presenting and preparing papers for Board, Investment Committee, Risk Committee, and Audit Committee, ensuring alignment with governance frameworks and regulatory expectations.Adept at interpreting regulatory and legislative reporting changes and integrating them into streamlined operational processes, providing leadership and guidance to the Investment Operations team. Drives, manages, and supports a wide range of change and transformation initiatives, including process improvements that promote automation, enhance data integrity, and maintain transparency throughout all activities. Maintains strong relationships with the Fund’s Master Custodian and actively supports regulator engagement, especially concerning Investment Operations and Valuation Governance. Provides thought leadership in the evolution of valuation governance, continuously identifying improvements to align operations with UniSuper’s target state and best practice standards. Dedicated to delivering value through strategic projects and taking on additional duties as requested by the CFO, demonstrating agility and a commitment to continual improvement.
EDUCATION
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Graduate Diploma CA, Accounting
Deakin University
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Accounting and Finance
FINSIA
Master of Applied Finance, Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law
SKILLS
ABOUT HELENA POLAS
At UniSuper, as Head of Investment Operations & Valuation Governance, I oversee critical functions, including crediting rate pricing, investment valuation governance, SPV reporting, and fund accounting, with a focus on ensuring transparency, auditability, and compliance with SPS 530 standards. With a deep commitment to operational excellence and risk management, I collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic change and safeguard members’ interests. With over five years of experience at UniSuper, I have contributed to enhancing processes, strengthening financial control, and ensuring accurate external reporting in partnership with the CFO. My involvement with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) advisory panels underscores my focus on addressing key corporate sector challenges and supporting my professional community through insightful guidance.
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