Newly Qualified Fund Controller - Real Estate Investment Fund
Mayfair, London | 12-Month Contract | Immediate Start
A highly successful and established Real Estate Investment Fund is looking to appoint an exceptional Newly Qualified Fund Controller on an initial 12-month contract.
This is an excellent opportunity for a recently qualified ACA making their first move out of a Big Four audit firm into a principal-side investment management role. The position offers direct exposure to a portfolio of Luxembourg-domiciled closed-ended real estate funds, senior investment professionals and the underlying commercial drivers of fund performance.
The initial requirement is for 12 months, although there is potential for the opportunity to develop into something longer term depending on business requirements and individual performance.
The firm is specifically looking for someone who combines strong technical accounting fundamentals with intellectual curiosity, commercial judgement and an interest in using modern technology, AI and automation to improve how finance operates.
The Role
Working within the fund finance team, you will take responsibility for the financial control and oversight of a portfolio of Luxembourg domiciled closed-ended real estate funds and their underlying investment structures.
You will work closely with Investment, Asset Management, third-party administrators, auditors, tax advisers and other external service providers.
Key Responsibilities
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Financial control and oversight of Luxembourg-domiciled closed-ended real estate funds and associated SPVs.
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Review of fund accounting, NAVs, reporting packs and reconciliations prepared by third-party administrators.
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Preparation and review of annual and interim financial statements.
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Management of the annual audit process.
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Review of capital calls, investor distributions and fund-level allocations.
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Monitoring of cash, liquidity, cash-flow forecasts, fund expenses and management fees.
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Support of valuation processes and fund performance reporting.
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Production of financial analysis and commercial insight for senior finance and investment stakeholders.
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Support of investor reporting and ad hoc investor requests.
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Liaison with Luxembourg administrators, AIFMs, depositaries, tax advisers and auditors.
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Support of fund governance, board reporting and ongoing fund administration.
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Involvement in acquisitions, disposals, restructurings and new fund activity where required.
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Identification of opportunities to improve financial controls, reporting and process efficiency.
Candidate Profile
Essential:
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Newly or recently ACA qualified within PwC, Deloitte, EY or KPMG.
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Direct audit experience covering real estate investment funds, real estate private equity or institutional real estate investment structures.
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Strong technical accounting, financial reporting and audit experience.
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Commercially minded, analytical and intellectually curious.
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Confident communicating with senior finance and investment professionals.
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Able to interpret financial information and communicate meaningful commercial insight.
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Immediately available or able to start at very short notice.
Experience of Luxembourg fund structures would be advantageous but is not essential.
AI, Technology & Commercial Insight
The firm is particularly interested in someone who is comfortable using modern finance technology and AI-enhanced tools.
You should be interested in using tools such as Claude. Copilot, ChatGPT and other AI enabled applications to improve analysis, reporting, automation and workflow efficiency, while applying appropriate financial controls and professional judgement.
The successful candidate will be expected to look beyond the numbers, identify trends and anomalies, and communicate clear commercial insight to the wider business.
The Opportunity
This is a strong first move from Big Four audit into a principal-side real estate investment environment, offering direct exposure to funds, investments and senior stakeholders.
The role is initially for 12 months, with potential for a longer-term opportunity for the right individual.
We are happy to provide application and/or accessibility support, please contact your Marks Sattin or Grafton consultant directly to discuss your needs. We're committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients, please visit and for our privacy policy.
Fund Controller (Real Estate) in London employer: Marks Sattin Careers
Join a leading independent accountancy and advisory firm in Leeds or Manchester, where you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values autonomy and professional growth. With a diverse client portfolio and a commitment to employee development, this firm offers excellent benefits and a collaborative environment, making it an ideal place for Corporate Tax Managers looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fund Controller (Real Estate) in London
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
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Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Fund Controller (Real Estate) role at Marks Sattin Careers, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks Sattin Careers
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Marks Sattin Careers operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Marks Sattin Careers. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Marks Sattin Careers.
