Job Description

The Apex Group was established in Bermuda in 2003 and is now one of the world's largest fund administration and middle office solutions providers.
Our business is unique in its ability to reach globally, service locally and provide cross-jurisdictional services. With our clients at the heart of everything we do, our hard-working team has successfully delivered on an unprecedented growth and transformation journey, and we are now represented by over circa 13,000 employees across 112 offices worldwide.Your career with us should reflect your energy and passion.
That's why, at Apex Group, we will do more than simply 'empower' you. We will work to supercharge your unique skills and experience.
Take the lead and we'll give you the support you need to be at the top of your game. And we offer you the freedom to be a positive disrupter and turn big ideas into bold, industry-changing realities.
For our business, for clients, and for you
Senior Fund Accountant (Private Equity) - Cape Town
Summary of the position
The successful applicant's primary responsibility will be to perform the accounting functions and the related reporting deliverables of a portfolio of PE(RE) clients in line with the relevant service level agreements.
The successful applicant will assist the Team Leader/Assistant Manager - Accounting with certain review functions and provide training and guidance to junior accountants.
Outline of main duties and responsibilities
1. INVESTOR SERVICES AND TRANSFER AGENCY

• Responsible for the timely delivery of all investor communication and reporting, in line with the agreed SLA's and fund documentation

• Respond to and resolve investor queries

• Manage / facilitate investor transactions, such as capital calls and distributions

• Perform the accounting for investor related transactions

2. ACCOUNTING AND FUND OPERATION

• Obtain an in-depth understanding of the client's fund documentation and requirements

• Assist with capturing fund payments on online banking platforms

• Perform the primary fund accounting functions for a portfolio of allocated funds.

This includes, but is not limited to:
Cash book processing & preparation of bank reconciliations

• Accounting for standard monthly/quarterly expense and income related journals in line with supporting documentation

• Calculation of performance fees, carried interest and equalization as required by fund documentation

• Collation and verification of information from 3rd parties

• Accounting for investment transactions, including but not limited to:

• Review of investment documentation and providing accounting guidance (where applicable)

• Loading deal static data onto the system

• Calculation of investment IRR

• Review investment valuations

• Accounting for investment related transactions

• Timely calculation and delivery of the fund NAV

• Take responsibility for the preparation and timely delivery of the agreed reporting pack for a portfolio of clients, within agreed timeframes together with any supporting schedules

3. ANNUAL AUDIT

• Preparation of the annual financial statements, and any other required reports, in line with IFRS, Lux GAAP or other accounting standards as applicable

• Preparation of the annual audit file for the auditors

• Take responsibility for managing the audit process on behalf of a portfolio of allocated clients,

including, but not limited to:

• Setting up the audit timeline together with the auditors, other team members, the client and other stakeholders

• Facilitating any internal communication and collaboration between APEX departments / jurisdictions

• Resolving any audit queries

4. CLIENT MANAGEMENT

• Perform, regular client operational calls for an allocated portfolio of clients and provide client feedback to management and the rest of the team

• Liaise and build relationships with other relevant internal teams to ensure a seamless delivery of services to our clients

5. REVIEW AND TRAINING

• Assist the Team Leader/Assistant Manager - Accounting with the review of select, non-complex funds

• Provide guidance and on-the-job training to interns and junior accountants

6. REGULATORY

• Assistance with any other regulatory/internal reporting requirements

7. OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

• Any other ad hoc tasks as required Skills and experience required Qualifications & experience:

• An accounting qualification (minimum B.Compt / Com Accounting or equivalent)

• Preference will be given to candidates working towards a professional qualification such as CA(SA), SAIPA, ACCA or CIMA.

• 2 years relevant accounting experience in a similar industry or business type, preference will be given to staff with private equity or real estate experience

Skills requirement:

• Accounting knowledge:

• Up-to date working knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards and experience in preparation of accounts in accordance with those standards, o Experience and knowledge of Luxembourg GAAP and experience in preparation of accounts under those standards will be beneficial

• An understanding of funds and fund structures will be an advantage;

• Experience in all aspects of multi-currency accounting; and

• Excellent computer skills, and in particular a good knowledge of:

• Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook email;

• Experience with Investran will be advantageous.

• Highly organised, efficient and professional with excellent administrative and organisational skills;

• Have a confident , professional and an enthusiastic approach when dealing with clients and intermediaries of the business;

• Inquisitive mind set and innovative;

• Be able to communicate clearly with staff and senior management; and

• Work collaboratively and effectively within the PE(RE) team as well as other departments within APEX.

Personal characteristics:

• A real 'can do' attitude and thrives in an environment of opportunity, confidence and hunger for growth;

• Sets and achieves very high levels of performance and continually strives for personal improvement in all that they do;

• Has the ability to challenge decisions and frameworks, but also the ability to accept and implement decisions as instructed from a higher authority and to work within established frameworks to achieve desired results; and

• Will take accountability for their actions.

Reporting structure
The Fund Accountant will report to the Team Leader/Assistant Manager - Accounting. Remuneration level Remuneration will be market related and commensurate with experience and seniority. In addition, the successful candidate will receive a competitive benefits package.
Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Apex (Talent Acquisition Team or Hiring Managers) by recruitment agencies will not be accepted for this position. Apex operates a direct sourcing model and where agency assistance is required, the Talent Acquisition team will engage directly with our exclusive recruitment partners.

Skills Required