Manager - Fund Services (Accounting)

Purpose of the Job

The Manager Fund Accounting PE / RE will be responsible for the Service Delivery and exceeding of it to a portfolio of clients & client entities and for the management of a team of staff who deliver the Fund Accounting Services component of this delivery to this portfolio of clients & client entities. The main areas of focus for the Manager will be A) the pro-active and on-time Client Service Delivery of all fund accounting services provided to each client making up the portfolio including, if requested, the management of i) Client Entity Directorships ii) the day to day delivery of Fund Accounting Services provided to the client & client entities in accordance with the client and published, Processes Procedures and Controls (PPC), iii) the pro-active management of accounting services delivered by internal and external sub-contractors and iv) a first point of escalation for client issues resolution and B ) Proper Team Management (ensuring engagement levels, performance based culture, proper work planning ensuring quality of service and work/life balance).To support the delivery of high quality and consistent data, processes and reporting in all business areas and jurisdictions in line with Ocorian's information and security model, controls and procedures.

To produce and maintain clear and succinct systems and integrations documentation. Where custom development is required, produce clear specifications, including use and test cases, for developers working in an Agile DevOps oriented development environment and ensure appropriate quality testing including the design and creation of test scripts.

This will involve, but not limited to:

• Preparation of periodic fund accounting/NAV reporting/distributions planning / allocation of work, mentoring, monitoring progress / meeting (regulatory) deadlines and review output for quality assurance.
• Managing the on-time preparation of the financial deliverables of the whole team and for all clients at all times
• Taking full responsibility for the management and technical support of a team of accountants.
• Ensuring full automation of the accounting deliverables (using system like eFront, Paxus, etc).
• Ensuring adherence with Ocorian policy and procedure, smooth running of operation of the team under supervision and providing high quality service to Ocorian’s clients.

Main responsibilities

Accounting Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for an allocated portfolio of clients.
• To set and manage the deadlines of the portfolio of clients in accordance with the agreed calendar defined for each client.
• Ensure overall quality of bookkeeping, financial statements, management accounts and other financial reports are up to required standards at all times.
• Liaise with clients to ensure efficient delivery of output and client service expectations.
• Prepare timely and accurate NAV calculations, distributions, and other fund accounting output for subsequent review.
• Calculate and prepare capital calls and distributions workings and letters.
• Record accurately such accounting records as securities positions, corporate actions related, and journal entries.
• Reconcile various accounts, or reviewing reconciliations prepared by others, and promptly researching and correcting any variances.
• Review bank and any other reconciliation.
• Review VAT, TDS returns and Tax Computations for clients as prepared by Senior Accountants / Accountants / Assistant Accountants/ Junior Accountants.
• Ensure that financial statements, tax returns and other statutory returns are filed within deadlines.
• Review the work of, provide guidance and constructive feedback to Senior Accountants / Accountants / Assistant Accountants/ Junior Accountants.
• Liaise with Auditors and administrators to complete the audit of financial statements in accordance with defined timetables.
• Communicate effectively with the Accounting team to ensure they are aware of deadlines and expectations in terms of timing.
• Monitor and control the workload of the team.
• Ensure that Ocorian policy and procedures are adhered to.
• Be aware of risk exposure and promptly escalate issues arising to other members of the Management team.
• Take ownership of various aspects of team management, including involvement in the annual staff appraisal process as appropriate, holiday management, personal and professional development of team members.
• Oversee the work of Senior Accountants / Accountants / Assistant Accountants/ Junior Accountants and liaise with administration teams to determine and prioritise client deadlines.
• Assist with the update and maintenance of financial statements’ templates in accordance with IFRS or other designated accounting framework(s).
• Act as main accounting point of contact with key client personnel.

Ensuring world class client service delivery

• Responsibility for the accuracy, excellence of service and the timeliness of all client services delivery within the portfolio specifically regarding to the provision of Fund Accounting (as applicable)
• Build a strong service delivery relationship with each client and ensure that adequate staff members are always available to handle client matters and ensure the excellence of client service delivery
• Build a strong service delivery relationship with each client
• Act as a director on client boards and ensure that the client sees the added value of the director in and outside of board meetings.
• Act as a first point of escalation to resolve client service issues and problems.

Maximising Financial Performance

• For each client ensure that job cards are produced and updated at least annually e.g. for Administration, Director Services, and Client Accounting.
• Ensure time booked to clients is in accordance with approved job cards
• Ensure, in conjunction with the Client Service Unit head, that all out of scope work is priced and agreed in writing by the client before any work commences
• Ensure that the job fee set-up for each client is completed accurately and maintained in ‘real time’ to ensure that all in scope and out of scope work is billed and recovered
• Ensure weekly and monthly review and sign-off of timesheets.

Enhancing Operational Excellence

• Manage risk exposure by ensuring that all client and company related PPC are followed at all times;
• Ensure that all compliance procedures as per the regulatory framework in Mauritius are followed at all times;
• Ensure that tasks are completed within the set deadlines and in accordance with timelines agreed with the client;
• Ensure that staff members follow the PPC that are in place for time booking and time management.

Growing the business

• Assist the Client Service Unit Head to identify opportunities and propose new structures / services to existing clients;
• Foster excellent relationships with clients with a view to upselling additional services or structures to the client; and
• Communicate effectively to the client with a view to be able to explain inflation / increase in fees.

People and Culture

• Act as a leader to motivate staff members and ensure they are fully engaged in their work;
• Train and impart knowledge to staff members on all tasks and processes;
• Carry out performance appraisal and monitoring and provide feedback to staff members as and when required; and
• Live the values of the company and ensure that staff members.

Qualifications

• ACCA/ACA fully qualified.
• A post graduate study is desirable.
• Finance Industry and or Accounting/Auditing experience with exposure to Global Businesses.
• Knowledge, skills and experience
• Knowledge and experience of Fund accounting Pe / RE Funds is a must and Fund Administration is desirable.
• At least 7 years’ post qualification experience would be desirable.
• Proven knowledge of PE and RE Fund accounting and reporting, waterfall calculations and IFRS
• Strong IT skills with proven working knowledge of Paxus, eFront as well, as of advanced Excel is must.
• Strong knowledge of dedicated fund accounting software like PAXUS and EFRONT and willingness to learn and master them as well as Value Financials software.
• Proven people management/ supervisory skills with at least 3 years of experience at management level

Competencies 

• Ability to lead, motivate, listen and coach staff under supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues and any other stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong Time Management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work methodically and accurately.
• A solution driven attitude to problems.
• Ability to work using own initiative and make decisions within corporate policies.
• Excellent team player.
• Ability to manage change with a positive impact.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to have a holistic approach in decision making process.
• Excellent knowledge of industry, competitors and latest market trends.

Additional Information

All staff are expected to embody our core values that underpin everything that we do and that reflect the skills and behaviours we all need to be successful.  These are:

• We are CLIENT CENTRIC – Clients are at the centre of our world, and we’re committed to providing expertise and specialist solutions to meet their most complex challenges.
• We are AMBITIOUS – We aim high. We think and act globally, seizing every opportunity to delight our clients and support our colleagues - wherever in the world they may be.
• We are AGILE – We act on our initiative to get things done for our clients. Our independence gives us the flexibility and freedom to keep things simple, efficient and effective.
• We are COLLABORATIVE – With a curious mindset, we ask the right questions to get to the right solution, for our clients faster. We collaborate to win together and share our successes.
• We are ETHICAL – We behave with integrity at all times and assume positive intent, building trust through responsible actions and honest relationships.

Equal Opportunities for Everyone

Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you. You can reach us at careers@ocorian.com.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.