Fund Accounting Team Leader

Apex Group Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global fund administration firm is seeking an Accounting Leader to oversee accounting for Private Equity clients in Cape Town. The role requires managing a team, ensuring timely delivery of financial reports, and maintaining client relationships. Ideal candidates should have strong knowledge in Private Equity fund structures and back-office systems. This position also involves training staff and improving operational efficiencies.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of accounting requirements for Private Equity clients.
• Experience in managing a small team and enhancing their performance.
• Ability to oversee client management effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting responsibilities and deliverables for clients.
• Supervise team performance and provide training.
• Conduct quarterly client service review calls.

Skills

Understanding of Private Equity Fund structures

Knowledge of fund valuations and accounting practices

Understanding of back-office systems

Experience with Investran, eFront, and Paxus

Ability to work in a pressurised environment

Familiarity with Funds services controls

Team management experience

Ability to improve operational efficiency

Professional approach with clients

Tools

Investran

eFront

Paxus

Job description

Overview

The Apex Group was established in Bermuda in

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 employees across 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.

Summary Of The Position

The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing and managing the accounting requirements of our Private Equity (SA) clients in line with service level agreements. This includes managing a small team of accountants, client service management, and providing support to the onboarding team.

Roles and Responsibilities

• ACCOUNTING: Act as the accounting specialist within the Private Equity (SA) business. Supervise and control the timely and accurate delivery of net asset valuations, consolidated partner capital accounts, quarterly statements, financial statements, and supporting schedules. Manage the preparation of performance fee, internal Rate of Return (IRR), and equalization calculations as required by Fund documents.
• STAFF AND TRAINING: Play a pivotal role in the development and training of direct reports. Set KPIs for direct reports and manage performance both formally and informally. Train, manage, and supervise team members.
• TEAM MANAGEMENT: Oversee the preparation and delivery of accounting services as per fund documentation and service level agreements. Review team deliverables and ensure timely staffing to meet client requirements.
• CLIENT MANAGEMENT: Conduct quarterly client service review calls for an allocated portfolio and provide client feedback to management and the team. Manage client responsibilities to meet agreed deadlines and best practices.
• CLIENT ONBOARDING: Provide feedback to the onboarding team and Private Equity (SA) management regarding operational requirements versus system capabilities and identify gaps. Contribute to SLA timeframes and requirements.
• PROCESSES AND SYSTEM UPDATES: Assist with the ongoing development of the Private Equity IT platform and maintenance of reporting templates. Ensure compliance with Closed Ended (SA) processes and identify potential efficiencies.
• REGULATORY: Assist with regulatory and reporting requirements as they arise.
• OTHER TASKS: Act as authorized signatory on client bank accounts, and reviewer of payment. Build relationships with internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery to clients. Perform any additional tasks to support the ongoing management and development of the division.

Skills Requirement

• A good understanding of various Private Equity Fund structures and the administration and accounting of these structures.
• A sound working knowledge of fund valuations and accounting practices and standards, particularly IFRS, and ILPA.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of back-office systems.
• Investran, eFront and Paxus is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a pressurised environment.
• Be familiar with Funds services controls and procedures to ensure compliance and minimise risk.
• Have had exposure to managing a team.
• An ability to constantly challenge and look to improve the daily operation.
• Have a confident, professional and an enthusiastic approach when dealing with clients and intermediaries of the business.
• Management capability with a practical hands‑on approach and the ability to 'get things done'.

Leadership and Communication

• Leads by example.
• Be able to communicate clearly with staff and senior management.
• Work collaboratively and effectively within the Closed Ended (SA) 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.
• Will take accountability for their actions.

Reporting Structure

The Accounting Leader (Private Equity SA) will report to the Manager(s) of the Private Equity Team.

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.