Client Accounting Associate

Baillie Gifford; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Baillie Gifford is seeking a capable Accounting Operations professional to deliver high-quality client accounting and operational services. You will own daily reconciliations, investigate exceptions, and collaborate with custodians and clients to ensure accurate records.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, automation and the thoughtful use of AI tools to streamline processes and strengthen controls in a busy fund accounting environment.

Qualifications

• IOC Certificate preferred; experience in fund accounting or similar environment is desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data literacy.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients and custodians.

Responsibilities

• Complete daily reconciliations and validation of stock, cash and accounting records.
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation exceptions within set timelines.
• Liaise with custodians, clients and internal teams to resolve queries promptly.
• Maintain accurate client accounting records and provide data to stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement, automation and use of AI in processes.

Skills

Data literacy

Nurture relationships

Education

IOC Certificate (preferred)

Experience in fund accounting or similar environment

Job description

The Fund and Accounting Operations Department is responsible for the provision of accounting services to Baillie Gifford’s range of pooled funds, shareholders and segregated clients. Key responsibilities include the production of unit prices/NAVs for our UK OEICs and Investment Trusts and the maintenance of an accounting book of record for our global fund ranges and segregated clients.

Our Accounting Products teams are an integral part of the Department, providing technical, operational and governance support for the firm’s accounting systems and leading change initiatives to ensure the service we provide is first class for our clients and internal stakeholders.

Purpose of Role

Accounting Operations is responsible for delivering high-quality client accounting and operational services, including reconciliation and validation, data provisioning and custodian management.

This role will have a particular focus on the completion, investigation and resolution of reconciliations and is therefore suited to someone with relevant operational experience or strong transferable analytical and problem-solving skills, and a willingness to develop their knowledge of client accounting processes.

The successful candidate will also play an active role in driving continuous improvement and automation of our operational processes, using AI and other technologies to improve efficiency, strengthen controls and reduce manual activity.

Responsibilities

• Complete daily reconciliation and validation processes, including stock, cash and accounting reconciliations, taking ownership of the timely investigation, understanding and resolution of exceptions.
• Complete other operational reconciliations, including market opening, valuation comparison and withholding tax reconciliations, ensuring exceptions are appropriately investigated, documented and resolved.
• Work with custodians, clients and internal stakeholders to resolve operational queries and issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain complete and accurate client accounting and transactional records.
• Provide timely and accurate data to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective operational relationships with clients, custodians, Client Department, Global Services and other stakeholders, acting as a point of contact for client accounting and operational matters where appropriate.
• Prepare client fee invoice valuation data accurately and within agreed service levels.
• Take ownership of operational issues, resolving these where possible and escalating appropriately.
• Actively identify and drive opportunities for continuous improvement, using AI, automation and data tools to simplify processes, improve efficiency and strengthen controls.
• Support the implementation of new processes, systems and departmental initiatives.
• Support client transitions and lifecycle activity, including the effective set-up and ongoing maintenance of client accounting arrangements.

What success looks like:

• You take ownership of daily reconciliations and exceptions, resolving issues accurately and within agreed timescales.
• You build strong working relationships with custodians, clients and internal teams, helping operational queries and issues move quickly to resolution.
• You maintain high-quality accounting and operational data, supporting effective controls and reliable client service.
• You identify practical opportunities to improve, automate and simplify processes, including making effective use of AI and data tools where appropriate.

Qualifications

• IOC Certificate (preferred)

Your knowledge and experience:

• Experience in fund accounting, fund administration, investment operations or a similar environment, although candidates with relevant transferable skills will also be considered.
• An understanding of reconciliations and exception management, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to investigate and resolve issues.
• An understanding of custodian data and operational processes, or a willingness to develop knowledge in these areas.
• Experience engaging directly with clients or client-facing teams on operational matters, with an ability to build effective working relationships and communicate clearly.
• An understanding of client transitions and lifecycle events, including new client/fund set-up, changes and closures, would be beneficial.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, with an ability to identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve efficiency.
• Practical experience using AI tools to support day-to-day activities, improve processes or increase operational efficiency, with a willingness to further develop and apply these skills.

The type of candidate we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who can bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a proactive approach and a willingness to learn within a busy client accounting environment. You should be comfortable taking ownership of issues, investigating underlying causes and working with others to achieve resolution.

Alongside strong attention to detail and a focus on maintaining effective controls, we are looking for someone with a proactive continuous improvement mindset who is confident using AI and automation to simplify processes, improve controls and reduce repetitive manual activity.

Critical Skills

• Data literacy
• Nurture relationships

Closing Date

November 18, 2026

Should you choose to use AI tools to support your application, we ask that you do this thoughtfully. We encourage you to ensure your application reflects your own voice, experience, and motivations. We value authenticity and want to understand your individual strengths and perspectives.

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.