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Dimensional Fund Advisors

Engaged Employer

Not a Healthy Place to Work - IT Operations Dimensional Fund Advisors Employee Review

1.0
Oct 24, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Dimensional is financially sound and is not afraid of spending money on Technology (hardware/software). This provided a nice opportunity to learn and keep the IT skillset current. The rank and file are smart and great to work with. The money was pretty good, but not enough to compensate for the lousy work environment.

Cons

IT Management is a dysfunctional mess. Poor work life, balance. I completely understand that the nature of working on an IT operations team requires putting in a significant amount of after-hours work, but there is often consideration given for that effort. That no longer exists in DFA IT. Despite losing a large number of long term, dedicated, smart and talented employees, the HR department has done little to improve the situation. Despite the company’s continued, long term financial success, the company continues to invent new ways to reduce the quality of the benefits, charge more for them. Finally, there are limited career advancement opportunities, all management and lead positions are filled with buddies of the in place management.

Explore other reviews about Dimensional Fund Advisors

5.0
Jun 29, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent place to work. Many employees have been here several years. Team strategy aligns well with company goals. Technology teams are constantly reviewing better ways to use technology and provide learning opportunities for new skills, frameworks, and languages.

Cons

Not much to say here.

5.0
May 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Co-CEO Gerard O’Reilly always says, “Do the right thing, the right way, right away.” This is more than a mantra at DFA. These are good people, some of the smartest in the industry, and their bar is excellence. People sometimes joke about “drinking the DFA koolaid”. Here’s the koolaid: DFA doesn’t slap lipstick on a pig just to push product. DFA actually believes (and has been around long enough to prove) that you can lead with education, and IF your investment offering is genuinely good, the assets will naturally follow. Theirs is. What ex employee critics have said: “DFA moves too slow.” Fails to mention the likes of how DFA just led the industry with an absolute machete hacking thru the regulatory and operational jungle to pave a path for active share class for the good of investors. First filing? DFA. First to launch? DFA. Fast where it counts. “DFA doesn’t fund platforms for sales!” Indeed, would make life easier in some Sales channels, but would also impose more cost burden on end investors, so... The reality: Those who dance are considered insane by those who hear not the music. The firm, the philosophy, the people- all impressive. It has been one of the privileges of my career to work at Dimensional.

Cons

Hmm well the main grievance amongst the employee office committee was the insufficiency of the breakroom selection comprised of only of creamer, whole milk, 2%, and almond milk. I only hope the egregious omission has been remedied in the months since my departure and coconut milk added to said selection.

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