Senior Fund Accountant

Senior Fund Accountant

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
Baillie Gifford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial accounting and reporting for UK investment funds, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
  • Company: Join Baillie Gifford, a leading investment management firm known for its commitment to client service and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional development, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, solve complex problems, and make a real impact in the finance sector.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in UK funds and strong problem-solving skills required.
  • Other info: This role offers the chance to lead projects and mentor junior staff while working in a collaborative environment.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

The UK Fund Services Department is responsible for financial accounting, tax computations and regulatory reporting for our UK open-ended investment funds. The department is also responsible for transfer agency service for the UK open-ended investment funds, which incorporates dealing in the funds and maintenance of the share register. In addition, the department is responsible for the relationship and reporting to institutional clients who invest solely in UK pooled funds.

The department is also responsible for the legal and regulatory obligations of Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd as the authorised corporate director and alternative investment fund manager for the UK open-ended investment funds.

Purpose of Role

To be a senior member of the UK Fund Services Department responsible for reviewing the in-house pricing, accounting and financial statements for Baillie Gifford’s UK fund range. The role will cover a wide range of tasks and Senior Fund Accountants are expected to problem solve and answer queries from a wide range of teams across the business. There is also the expectation that Senior Fund Accountants will be involved in continuous process improvement and lead or provide SME input into a range of projects.

Job Title

Senior Fund Accountant

Department

UK Fund Services-BG-UK

Overview of Department

The UK Fund Services Department is responsible for financial accounting, tax computations and regulatory reporting for our UK open-ended investment funds. The department is also responsible for transfer agency service for the UK open-ended investment funds, which incorporates dealing in the funds and maintenance of the share register. In addition, the department is responsible for the relationship and reporting to institutional clients who invest solely in UK pooled funds.

The department is also responsible for the legal and regulatory obligations of Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd as the authorised corporate director and alternative investment fund manager for the UK open-ended investment funds.

Purpose of Role

To be a senior member of the UK Fund Services Department responsible for reviewing the in-house pricing, accounting and financial statements for Baillie Gifford’s UK fund range. The role will cover a wide range of tasks and Senior Fund Accountants are expected to problem solve and answer queries from a wide range of teams across the business. There is also the expectation that Senior Fund Accountants will be involved in continuous process improvement and lead or provide SME input into a range of projects.

Responsibilities

Team Management

  • Assist Fund Accounting Manager to allocate responsibilities and resources clearly and appropriately
  • Assist Fund Accounting Manager to oversee staff development and training
  • Ensure an effective service is delivered to both internal and external stakeholders

Operational Excellence

  • Prepare and review semi-annual and year-end financial statements in accordance with accounting standards, liaising with auditors and administrators to ensure queries are resolved and deadlines met
  • Prepare and review financial information in relation to fund documentation updates
  • Prepare, review and submit regulatory/statutory filings ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements
  • Prepare and review funds’ distribution/dividend calculations, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulatory/tax requirements
  • Prepare and review Corporation Tax and VAT returns
  • Oversight of the daily net asset value pricing process, including sign off of tasks performed by departments
  • Prepare and review budgets, income forecasts and other financial information as required

  • Preparation and review of board materials and internal committee reports

Problem-Solving and Communication

  • Provide ad hoc assistance within the department and wider business as required
  • Address day-to day team issues and queries promptly

Professional Development

  • Maintain awareness of industry developments and changes to the regulatory and taxation regimes under which the funds operate, and update colleagues as appropriate.

Your knowledge and experience

  • Qualified accountant with relevant post-qualified experience

  • Detailed knowledge of fund accounting rules and regulations including the IA SORP and FCA COLL regulations
  • Experience of reviewing work of others, answering questions and sharing knowledge and experience
  • Ability to prioritise work and meet competing deadlines
  • Experience of delivering projects in a leadership or SME role

Qualifications

  • Qualified Accountant (ICAS, ACCA or equivalent)
  • IOC Certificate (required or obtained within 6 months)

The Type of Candidate that we\’re looking for

We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant experience in UK Funds. This is a Senior role within the department and a successful candidate would be a source of knowledge and expertise on UK funds for a wide range of teams throughout Baillie Gifford. Problem solving and analytical skills will be key to success in the role.

Although there is no direct management responsibility the Senior Fund Accountants are expected to take the lead in developing the Fund Accountants and Fund Operations Administrators.

In addition, a successful candidate would be able to lead or, provide significant SME input, into large cross department projects including the ability to explain complex issues to those less familiar with the requirements of UK funds. A successful candidate would be self-motivated to identify and make improvements to processes and to provide coaching to others.

Critical Skills

  • Adaptability
  • Data Literacy
  • Improve Mindset
  • Team Working

Closing Date

July 31, 2025

At Baillie Gifford we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful culture in which each of our colleagues can thrive and develop. We believe that our clients are best served by a diverse workforce with the experiences, ideas and perspectives that this brings.

If you are currently working at Baillie Gifford as an employee or contractor please apply to this job from the firm\’s Workday internal career site.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Senior Fund Accountant employer: Baillie Gifford

Baillie Gifford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the UK financial services sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, we provide our team members with ample opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning. Our focus on operational excellence and collaborative problem-solving ensures that every employee can contribute meaningfully while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that fosters innovation and improvement.
Baillie Gifford

Contact Detail:

Baillie Gifford Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Fund Accountant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific fund accounting rules and regulations, such as the IA SORP and FCA COLL regulations. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the UK fund services sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at Baillie Gifford.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your problem-solving and analytical skills during any discussions or interviews. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex issues in previous roles, as this is a key requirement for the Senior Fund Accountant position.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on industry developments and changes in regulatory frameworks. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in fund accounting will set you apart and show that you're proactive about your professional development.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fund Accountant

Qualified Accountant (ICAS, ACCA or equivalent)
Detailed knowledge of fund accounting rules and regulations
Experience with IA SORP and FCA COLL regulations
Ability to review and oversee the work of others
Strong problem-solving skills
Excellent analytical skills
Effective communication skills
Project management experience
Knowledge of regulatory/statutory filings
Experience in preparing financial statements
Understanding of Corporation Tax and VAT returns
Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
Team leadership and development skills
Adaptability to industry changes
Data literacy
Continuous process improvement mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a qualified accountant and your relevant post-qualified experience. Emphasise your knowledge of fund accounting rules and regulations, particularly the IA SORP and FCA COLL regulations.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the Senior Fund Accountant role specifically at Baillie Gifford. Mention your problem-solving skills and experience in leading projects, as well as your ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with UK funds and any leadership roles you've held. Provide examples of how you've contributed to operational excellence and continuous process improvement in previous positions.

Highlight Professional Development: Mention any ongoing professional development or industry awareness initiatives you are involved in. This could include training, certifications, or staying updated on regulatory changes that impact fund accounting.

How to prepare for a job interview at Baillie Gifford

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Fund Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial accounting principles and fund regulations. Brush up on the IA SORP and FCA COLL regulations, and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills

Expect questions that assess your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved complex issues or improved processes, as this will highlight your capability to lead projects.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential

Even though direct management isn't a requirement, you'll be expected to mentor and develop junior staff. Be ready to share your approach to team development and how you've previously supported colleagues in their professional growth.

✨Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is key, especially when explaining complex fund-related issues to those less familiar with the subject. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial during your interview.

Senior Fund Accountant
Baillie Gifford
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>