Senior Fund Accountant - Financial Reporting in Chelmsford

The Apex Group was established in Bermuda in 2003 and is now one of the world’s largest fund administration and middle office solutions providers. Our business is unique in its ability to reach globally, service locally and provide cross-jurisdictional services. With our clients at the heart of everything we do, our hard-working team has successfully delivered on an unprecedented growth and transformation journey, and we are now represented by over circa 13,000 employees across 112 offices worldwide.

Your career with us should reflect your energy and passion. That’s why, at Apex Group, we will do more than simply ‘empower’ you. We will work to supercharge your unique skills and experience. Take the lead and we’ll give you the support you need to be at the top of your game. And we offer you the freedom to be a positive disrupter and turn big ideas into bold, industry-changing realities.

As a Senior Fund Accountant within FundRock you will be responsible for the oversight and delivery of financial reporting and reconciliation activities across a portfolio of UK Open-Ended funds for which Apex FundRock acts as Authorised Corporate Director (“ACD”). Acting as the lead contact for a number of assigned client relationships you will work closely with investment managers, depositaries, auditors and internal stakeholders to ensure all financial reporting, fund accounting oversight and regulatory obligations are delivered accurately and within agreed deadlines. The role combines technical financial reporting expertise, client relationship management and operational oversight. You will be accountable for maintaining robust controls and reconciliations, reviewing complex regulatory reporting deliverables and supporting strategic initiatives including fund launches, mergers, closures and regulatory change projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Reconciliations: Take ownership of the financial reporting and reconciliation requirements for an allocated portfolio of UK Open-Ended funds. Oversee the preparation and review of annual and interim reports and accounts in accordance with FCA COLL requirements and applicable SORP guidance. Review and challenge financial statements, disclosures and supporting working papers to ensure regulatory compliance and reporting accuracy. Review distribution calculations and associated investor reporting. Review Ongoing Charges Figure (“OCF”) calculations and related disclosures. Coordinate the year-end audit processes and act as a primary contact for auditors. Ensure all regulatory and client reporting deliverables are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary client contact for an assigned portfolio of funds and associated client relationships. Build and maintain strong relationships with investment managers, auditors, depositaries and other key stakeholders. Lead discussions relating to financial reporting deliverables, audit progress, technical accounting matters and regulatory developments. Manage client queries, service issues and escalations through to resolution. Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and strengthen client relationships.
• Oversight & Leadership: Provide oversight and technical guidance to offshore production teams. Review key deliverables and ensure quality standards are maintained across all reporting and reconciliation activities. Act as a subject matter expert on financial reporting, fund accounting controls and regulatory disclosures. Support the development, coaching and mentoring of offshore team members. Promote best practice and contribute to a strong control environment.
• Projects & Continuous Improvement: Support fund launches, mergers, closures and other significant client events. Assist with new client onboarding and operational transitions. Participate in strategic projects, reporting enhancements and automation initiatives. Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes, controls and operating models. Support implementation of new regulatory requirements and industry developments.
• Governance & Risk Management: Ensure appropriate controls, procedures and reconciliations are maintained across all financial reporting activities. Escalate material issues, risks and control weaknesses in accordance with established governance procedures. Support internal and external audits and regulatory reviews. Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and best practice standards across the Financial Reporting function.

Skills & Experience

• Strong experience within financial reporting, fund administration, asset servicing or ACD services environments.
• Detailed knowledge of UK Open-Ended fund structures and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of FCA COLL requirements, UK GAAP and applicable SORP guidance.
• Experience overseeing the preparation and review of annual and interim reports and accounts.
• Strong knowledge of fund accounting principles, controls and reconciliation processes.
• Experience coordinating external audits and managing auditor relationships.
• Ability to manage client relationships and act as a primary contact for stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Strong analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently deliver against challenging deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality client service.
• Experience working with fund accounting, financial reporting and regulatory reporting systems.
• Experience overseeing offshore teams and reviewing deliverables within a controlled operating environment.
• Ability to identify process improvements, drive efficiencies and support change initiatives.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience within financial reporting, fund accounting oversight, fund administration or investment operations.
• Proven experience working with UK Open-Ended funds.
• Demonstrable experience reviewing and signing off annual and interim financial statements.
• Experience overseeing reconciliations, investigating exceptions and maintaining strong financial controls.

The Job Title will report to the Line Manager based in Chelmsford. Remuneration will be market related and commensurate with experience and seniority. In addition, the successful candidate will receive a competitive benefits package.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Apex (Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Managers) by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position. Apex operates a direct sourcing model and where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our exclusive recruitment partners.