Associate Director, Accounting in Southampton

To lead a client-portfolio of accounting deliverables and as part of the Senior Management of the Private Equity function, you will drive the strategy & values of Gen II. You will act as a role-model leader, supporting both the Directors and Managers of your business unit to manage, supervise and develop an accounting team to ensure the provision of professional and first class service to clients.

What you’ll be doing

• Acts as 'Accounting Lead’ on a portfolio of Private Equity-focused clients to deliver excellent client service.
• Build & mould a high-performing team that is passionate about client service and the Alternatives industry.
• Adds value to the client relationship by anticipating needs beyond the existing relationship, where appropriate introducing the services of other business units.
• Runs service review meetings incorporating quantitative and qualitative data to drive continued service improvement.
• Inspires confidence in new and existing clients by working with clients' key decision makers and influencers to build strong and effective relationships.
• Act as a higher authority on technical client specific matters.
• Defining client needs by listening actively to their requirements and providing solutions.

Technical Expertise

• To demonstrate and be recognised for technical excellence and expertise.
• Work closely with the Head of Technical accounting to drive consistency and best-practice across the team and wider business.
• Consults appropriate colleagues when undertaking work outside own area of expertise to ensure compliance and minimise risk.
• Demonstrates sound judgement and professional scepticism when accepting instructions from new and existing clients, particularly when dealing with risk issues.
• Provides independent technical and strategic guidance in the capacity of Associate Director and as director of client entities, always upholding the highest level of corporate governance and being prepared to challenge - where appropriate.
• To maintain knowledge of the external business environment and relevant industry specific trends in order to provide sound and practical advice to clients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of accounting standards, corporate governance requirements, internal compliance, anti-money laundering and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Ensures that all CPD requirements are met year on year for both you and all members of your team, and that training and development is relevant.

Operational

• Take overall responsibility for the efficiency and output of fund accounting deliverables.
• Manage the timely and accurate production of monthly, quarterly and annual financial and management reports (as required).
• To actively monitor, identify and implement improvements in client accounting procedures and policies so as to improve the service offered to clients and improve efficiency.
• To continually improve the dissemination of information that may impact on the business of Gen II and identify accounting-related opportunities, new methods and procedures to help drive forward the organisation.
• To clearly articulate and formally report their benefits.
• To consider and advise on the accounting implications of new business strategies of Gen II.
• Within own sphere of influence, work to further organisational goals by demonstrating commerciality and the ability to measure business needs against risk.
• Contribute to briefings and presentations about their relevance and potential value to the organisation.
• Contribute to business ad-hoc projects as required.

Leadership and Management

• Demonstrates the ability to support the Business Unit Director & Head of PE Accounting to drive the business unit forward in accordance with business plans and strategy, while keeping it under prudent control.
• To monitor the performance and action of the business unit, providing support to business unit managers in their day-to-day management of their teams.
• Generates innovative ideas that challenge the status quo but are strategically sound, and encourage others to demonstrate innovation.
• Leads, coaches and motivates the team in order to develop their capabilities through on-the-job training, appraisals and ongoing performance management.
• Establishes high standards for the quality of the output from each team member/contractor.
• Responsibility for ensuring that team deadlines and review deadlines are met.
• Conduct appraisals for members of the team.
• Recruitment interviews for hires.
• Develop commitment from your team and other staff through recognising good performance, providing timely and constructive feedback and through leading by example.
• Identifies talent and develops high-potential people within the immediate team and Gen II.
• Builds commitment through fair, consistent and persuasive behaviour, championing ideas and setting realistic and challenging objectives through appraisal and other performance measurement initiatives.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, using authority and influence appropriately, and demonstrates the ability to lead and direct the efforts of others to achieve results.
• Encourages teambuilding and values people, their ideas and opinions.
• Is approachable for all types of advice, and is proactive in sharing knowledge.

Administration & Financial Management

• Daily input of time on timesheets and oversight at team level, ensuring that all time is recorded and financial results are monitored and continually compared with targets.
• Demonstrates savvy and business acumen in relation to financial management, providing realistic and considered fee quotes and invoices for client work in a timely manner.
• Prioritising own workflow & that of your team.
• Responsible for participating and leading in appropriate projects and initiatives.
• Attend, constructively contribute and chair internal committees/meetings as required from time to time, and ensuring the timely and accurate reporting of key information where relevant.
• Maintains a sound working knowledge of the use and impact of information technology and systems that are relevant to the business and to its clients, and to contribute in decision-making in relation to the introduction and development of IT systems to drive the Group forward.
• Act as a Gen II 'A' Authorised Signatory.
• Travel to meet with clients as required.

The ideal background for this role:

• Sound academic background.
• 12 years' relevant industry experience.
• Comprehensive and detailed understanding and knowledge of the private equity, offshore finance, fund administration & regulatory requirements in which we operate.
• Excellent understanding of client financial statements.
• People management theory and practical application.
• Performance management of a team.

Role Location/Hybrid Schedule

This role is based in our Southampton office. Although the nature of most of the roles within Gen II cannot be classed as totally flexible, there is scope in some cases for a form of Agile Working. The different ways in which Agile Working can be undertaken is dependent on the demands and needs of the business, the office space available and the individual's preferences and circumstances.