James Beaver

About James Beaver

SEDF is a not for profit investment fund that was established in 1997, has access to over $400 million in investment capital and currently employs 15 people in New York, London and Kenya. SEDF aims to deploy up to $60 million of new capital per annum. SEDF uses a variety of instruments, including equity and debt, to finance businesses and initiatives that support its goals. It invests in enterprises, investment funds, and financial institutions that meet its criteria. SEDF is a disciplined investor that strives to be nimble and make decisions on a timely basis, conducts rigorous due diligence, and demands good governance from its portfolio companies. SEDF is not a passive investor and, while it generally takes minority stakes, it often requires at least one board seat in its equity investments.

Experience

1. Treasurer and Director of Finance and Operations

   Soros Economic Development Fund

   Sep 2011 — Present · New York, NY, US

   The Treasurer performs all duties customary to that office, including but not limited to managing day to day financial operations of the Fund as well as managing all compliance reporting including audits and tax.The Director of Finance and Operations provides leadership, directs day-to-day operations, enhances internal systems and processes and partners with the other members of the leadership team to size and shape the team, and, to shape the strategy and lead the work of the global organization.Priorities for the role include directing and leading the finance function which includes:o Presenting directly to board of directors a quarterly report on investment activity and valuationso Facilitating quarterly portfolio company reviews and reviewing all financial, social and operational metrics with investment teamso Engaging with the investment teams on portfolio management, including monitoring, governance, operation, financial performance, and the sale or recapitalization of such investments o Participating in financial/operational due diligence prior to investment with primary focus on reviewing fully integrated financial modelso Ensuring compliance with internal policies and procedures including but not limited to the Investment Policy Manual and Risk Assessment Policyo Providing all treasury, accounting and compliance (audit and tax) related functions o Development of annual operational budgets and investment portfolio targetso Global travel for monitoring trips to priority portfolio companies