At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fund audits and tax returns for a diverse range of over 400 funds.
- Company: Join Aviva, a forward-thinking company committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, flexible benefits, and up to 40% discount on Aviva products.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the asset management industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Chartered Accountant with project management experience in asset management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Note: this position is based in London and is the contractual location for the successful candidate; other locations cannot be considered.
A bit about the job: We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Funds Audit Delivery to lead the end‑to‑end delivery of fund audits and tax returns across our diverse fund range. This pivotal role ensures timely execution of audits for over 400 funds, including complex portfolios such as the LTAFs (including the CTRA fund), Ground Rent Funds, and Private Market Funds, as well as our Luxembourg and UK fund ranges. The successful candidate will be a Senior Technical Programme Manager with deep expertise in fund management, audit processes, and financial accounting. You will be responsible for managing project plans, driving adherence to deadlines, and proactively identifying and mitigating delivery risks. The role demands strong stakeholder engagement across Aviva Investors, Aviva Group, HSBC Fund Controllers, and external auditors (EY and BDO), with a focus on governance, quality assurance, and operational excellence. You will lead monthly audit governance forums, formalise third‑party engagement, and oversee communication and reporting processes. A solid accounting background is essential to support technical reviews and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
Skills and experience we’re looking for:
- Qualified Chartered Accountant (e.g., ACA/ACCA) and/or industry equivalent (e.g., IMC)
- Experience in a Project Management capacity in the Asset Management industry; extensive understanding of project governance and full competence in the use of MS Office applications and other project tools and methodologies
- External audit experience – experience of delivering or performing external audits, ideally within the Asset Management industry. Big 4/medium‑sized external audit experience.
- Qualified Accountant – qualified accountant, ideally with strong technical accounting capability and experience in the Asset Management industry, which would be an advantage.
- Fund Services – knowledge of fund accounting, transfer agency, AML / KYC, banking, payments, depository, tax provision / compliance, including high‑level knowledge of the funds audit process would be an advantage but is not a requirement.
What you’ll get for this role:
- Generous pension scheme – Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in
- Eligibility for annual performance bonus
- Family‑friendly parental and carer’s leave
- Generous holiday entitlement plus bank holidays with the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days
- Up to 40% discount for Aviva products
- Aviva‑funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it
- Brilliant flexible benefits including electric cars
- Aviva Matching Share Plan and Save As You Earn scheme
- 21 volunteering hours per year
Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Please let us know if you have a disclosed disability and we will interview you.
Head of Funds Audit Delivery employer: Aviva Investors
Aviva Investors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous pension scheme, flexible benefits, and a commitment to inclusivity, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally while leading impactful fund audits across a diverse portfolio. Join us to be part of a collaborative environment where your expertise will drive operational excellence and governance in the asset management industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Funds Audit Delivery
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and the role inside out. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. Show them your passion for fund management and how your experience aligns with their needs!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference in keeping you top of mind.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Funds Audit Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Funds Audit Delivery role. Highlight your experience in fund management, audit processes, and project management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires a solid accounting background, make sure to showcase your qualifications and any relevant technical skills. Mention your experience with external audits and project governance to catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviva Investors
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Funds Audit Delivery, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial accounting and audit processes. Brush up on key metrics and recent trends in fund management, especially related to LTAFs and private market funds. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Master Stakeholder Engagement
This role requires strong stakeholder engagement across various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with external auditors or internal stakeholders in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your communication skills and ability to drive collaboration.
✨Project Management Prowess
Since project management is a key part of this role, be ready to discuss your experience with project governance and methodologies. Bring along examples of project plans you've managed, focusing on how you adhered to deadlines and mitigated risks. This will showcase your organisational skills and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
With a solid accounting background being essential, prepare to discuss your qualifications and any relevant experiences in external audits, particularly within the asset management industry. Highlight your technical accounting capabilities and how they relate to the funds audit process, as this will reinforce your suitability for the position.
