At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee fund finance, manage relationships, and drive AI process improvements.
- Company: Leading pan-European real estate investment manager based in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Significant exposure to investment decision-making and senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Transition from traditional accounting to a dynamic, commercially focused role with AI integration.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in AI tools and fund finance.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Caravel is working with a leading pan-European real estate investment manager seeking to hire an Associate into its London-based Fund Finance team. This is not a traditional fund accounting role. The team is looking for a qualified accountant who can demonstrate a genuine track record of using AI to improve processes, automate workflows and increase efficiency within finance, audit, fund accounting or investment environments.
Candidates should be able to discuss specific examples of projects they have delivered using tools such as ChatGPT, Claude or Copilot, explaining how they identified opportunities, implemented solutions and generated measurable improvements. This opportunity will appeal to qualified accountants who enjoy working in an investment environment but no longer want to spend their time producing accounts. Instead, the role centres on oversight of third-party administrators, fund finance decision support, transaction activity, investor reporting and the implementation of AI-driven process improvements across the finance function.
Working closely with senior leadership, portfolio managers and external service providers, the successful candidate will help shape how a modern Fund Finance function operates. The firm outsources much of the traditional accounting and bookkeeping work to specialist providers, meaning the focus is on oversight, review, analysis and commercial decision-making rather than producing accounts and posting journals. The successful hire will take ownership of key relationships with fund administrators, auditors and other service providers, ensuring high-quality delivery while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency through technology and AI-enabled workflows.
The Opportunity
This is a broad and commercially focused position sitting at the intersection of fund finance, portfolio management and transactions. You will be involved throughout the lifecycle of investments, from acquisition through to disposal, working alongside investment and portfolio management teams while overseeing third-party service providers and supporting institutional investors. The role offers significantly more variety and commercial exposure than a traditional fund accounting position, making it particularly attractive to candidates looking to move closer to the investment side of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the financial oversight of one or more real estate private equity funds.
- Manage and challenge third-party fund administrators responsible for quarterly reporting, annual accounts, capital calls and distributions.
- Oversee cash and liquidity management across multiple funds, supporting funding decisions and capital planning.
- Review fund-level reporting, NAV calculations, reconciliations and investor deliverables.
- Support acquisitions and disposals from a fund finance perspective, including transaction execution and onboarding activities.
- Work closely with portfolio management teams on fund forecasts, returns analysis and cash flow modelling.
- Lead investor reporting processes, DDQs, RFPs and investor information requests.
- Coordinate auditors, local accountants, tax advisers and other external service providers.
- Drive process improvement initiatives across the wider finance function.
- Identify, develop and implement AI-assisted workflows to improve efficiency, consistency and scalability across key finance processes.
AI & Process Innovation (Essential) - this is a key hiring criterion rather than a desirable extra. Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Practical experience using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot or similar within a finance, accounting, audit or investment environment.
- Examples of AI-led projects that have improved efficiency, reduced manual workload or enhanced reporting quality.
- The ability to identify high-value use cases and convert them into repeatable workflows.
- Experience improving processes, documentation, controls or reporting through technology.
- An understanding of the controls and governance required when using AI within regulated financial environments.
- A genuine interest in helping drive adoption and best practice across a wider team.
Candidate Profile
We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates from one of the following backgrounds:
- Fund Accounting or Fund Control within a leading real estate investment manager.
- Fund Accounting or Fund Control within a private equity investment platform.
- Big 4 trained ACA professionals with experience auditing real estate or private equity clients.
- Fund Administrators supporting real estate or private equity funds.
You will ideally be ACA, ACCA or CA qualified with approximately 2-5 years' post-qualified experience and possess strong technical accounting fundamentals alongside an interest in technology, automation and process improvement.
Why Apply?
- Join a leading pan-European real estate investment platform with a substantial institutional investor base.
- Move away from pure accounting into a broader, commercially focused fund finance role.
- Significant exposure to portfolio management, transactions and investment decision-making.
- Extensive responsibility and autonomy from day one.
- Opportunity to become a key driver of AI adoption and process transformation.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders across finance, investments and portfolio management.
- £65,000 - £75,000 base salary plus bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
Associate – Fund Finance (Oversight & AI) employer: Caravel
Caravel offers an exceptional work environment for qualified accountants looking to transition into a dynamic fund finance role within the real estate investment sector. With a strong focus on AI-driven process improvements, employees benefit from extensive exposure to portfolio management and investment decision-making, alongside significant autonomy and responsibility from day one. The company's commitment to innovation and employee growth, combined with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, makes it an attractive employer in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate – Fund Finance (Oversight & AI)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Caravel. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate – Fund Finance (Oversight & AI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Caravel.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Caravel's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caravel
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Caravel.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Caravel will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Caravel employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
