Manager: Fund Accounting (CIS, Institutional & Life)

Prescient; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Prescient is seeking an experienced senior leader to manage the Fund Accounting team responsible for accurate, timely and compliant NAV production across local SA client portfolios. You will lead Team Leaders, Senior Fund Accountants and Fund Accountants, driving operational excellence, risk control and superior client service.

The role focuses on process optimisation, stakeholder management and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support onboarding, governance and growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Fund Accounting or Fund Administration with senior leadership.
• Experience supporting fund accounting operations across local and offshore jurisdictions.
• Deep knowledge of investment structures and NAV production.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily, weekly, monthly and annual fund accounting processes for allocated funds.
• Lead Fund Accounting team including Team Leaders, Senior Fund Accountants and Fund Accountants.
• Ensure accurate NAV production and review, and monitor SLAs.
• Drive client relationship management and escalation handling.
• Support business development through client reviews and onboarding.
• Foster accountability, continuous learning and high performance.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Operational excellence

Risk management

Client service

Process improvement

Team development

NAV production

Financial reporting

Communication

Education

CA(SA) or CFA or BCom Accounting/Finance

Job description

Purpose of role:

Responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund Accounting team, ensuring the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of fund accounting services across assigned local client portfolios. The role provides leadership to Team Leaders, Senior Fund Accountants and Fund Accountants while driving operational excellence, risk management, client service and employee development.

Duties and responsibilities:

Operational Management & Service Delivery

• Oversee the daily, weekly, monthly and annual fund accounting processes for allocated funds.


• Oversee and support fund accounting service to our local (SA) clients, ensuring alignment with applicable regulatory requirements, operating models, service standards and stakeholder expectations.


• Ensure accurate and timely NAV production and review.


• Monitor fund accounting deliverables, workflows and service level agreements.


• Ensure daily Review and Approval of reconciliations, pricing, accruals, valuations and accounting records.


• Ensure all deliverables are completed within agreed client deadlines.


• Act as the primary escalation point for operational issues.

Client Experience Management

• Act as the key escalation point for client and audit queries.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, investment managers, auditors, custodians, and key stakeholders


• Build and maintain a strong relationship with the Client Experience team.


• Participate in monthly, quarterly and ad hoc client reviews, governance meetings and business development initiatives, as required.


• Collaborate with the Implementation function to manage client onboarding, portfolio transitions and restructures.


• Ensure that all team members understand the client SLAs relevant to their functions and responsibilities and consistently deliver services in accordance with those requirements to meet client expectations and contractual obligations.

Business Growth & Strategic Contribution

• Contribute to the Fund Accounting operational strategy and improvement priorities, providing input and recommendations to the Head of Fund Accounting.


• Support new business development by contributing to due diligence visits, RFP responses, client finalist presentations and post-sale onboarding assurance.


• Identify and recommend opportunities for automation, technology enablement and process redesign that improve efficiency and create capacity for sustainable growth without relying solely on additional headcount.

Team Leadership and People Management

• Lead, coach and develop Team Leaders and Fund Accountants.


• Drive employee engagement, performance management and succession planning within the team.


• Set clear goals and accountability structures cascading from operational strategy down through team leads.


• Conduct regular meetings with Team Leaders, Senior Fund Accountants and Fund Accountants to track development plans and manage delivery.


• Ensure appropriate workforce planning, resource allocation and capacity management.


• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and client excellence.


• Drive staff performance reviews and performance management by monitoring individual performance against key performance indicators and identifying gaps against expectations.

Required experience:

• 5+ years' experience in Fund Accounting or Fund Administration, including experience in a senior leadership role.


• Experience supporting fund accounting operations across local and offshore jurisdictions.


• Strong knowledge of collective investment schemes, hedge funds, private equity, segregated mandates, and alternative investment structures.


• Deep understanding of NAV production, valuations, financial reporting, custody and investment operations.


• Proven leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic planning capability.

Required Qualifications:

• CA(SA), CFA, BCom Accounting, Finance, or related qualification preferred.

Key competencies:

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.


• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.


• Operational excellence and continuous improvement mindset.


• Client-centric mindset and focus on service excellence.


• Effective communication skills (verbal and written).


• Change leadership.


• Highly developed analytical, technical and problem-solving skills.


• Attention to detail.


• Accountability, integrity and a strong sense of ownership.


• Ability to interact professionally with other teams and clients.


• Collaboration and ability to work across multiple functions.


• Risk awareness and sound judgement under pressure.


• High degree of professionalism, ethics and integrity.

Why this role:

A fantastic opportunity for leaders who are passionate about building exceptional teams, delivering meaningful outcomes for clients and driving continuous improvement. At Prescient Fund Services, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a high-performing Fund Accounting team within a growing global business that values collaboration, innovation and excellence.