Job Description

Job Title: Senior Fund Accounting Consultant (Advisory & Operating Model Review)

Location: Brisbane, Australia

Salary/Rate: $1500 - $2000 daily rate

Start Date: 03/03/2025

Job Type: 3 - 6 Month Contract

Company Introduction

The Fund Accounting Consultant will be responsible for advising on the structure, operations, and performance of the organisation's fund accounting function. This role involves reviewing the current operating model, assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of processes, and providing actionable recommendations to enhance the function's performance, regulatory compliance, and alignment with industry best practices. The consultant will work closely with senior management, operational teams, and external service providers to optimise fund accounting processes, technology, and workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

- Operating Model Review:

Assess the current fund accounting operating model, including systems, processes, and workflows, to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains.

Conduct a thorough review of fund accounting processes across financial reporting, NAV calculation, performance reporting, reconciliation, and compliance checks.

Benchmark the organisation's fund accounting practices against industry standards and best practices to ensure competitiveness and compliance.- Advisory Services:

Provide expert advisory on enhancing fund accounting operations, including recommendations on process improvements, technology upgrades, and outsourcing strategies.

Advise on structuring the fund accounting function to meet both regulatory requirements (e.g., ASIC guidelines, APRA regulations) and internal business objectives.

Assist in identifying and mitigating key operational risks, ensuring robust controls are in place for fund accounting and reporting processes.- Technology and Automation Recommendations:

Review the technology stack and fund accounting systems to identify opportunities for automation, digital transformation, and system enhancements.

Recommend technology solutions or upgrades to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of fund accounting operations (e.g., fund accounting software, reconciliation tools, data integration solutions).- Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure that the fund accounting operating model aligns with Australian regulatory requirements, such as those governed by ASIC, APRA, and the Corporations Act 2001, in addition to global standards where applicable.

Provide advice on compliance with industry-specific financial regulations such as AIFMD (Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive), FATCA, MiFID II, and ASX listing rules for funds.

Support the development of a robust compliance framework to ensure accurate financial reporting, tax reporting, and audit readiness.- Performance Metrics & KPIs:

Review existing performance metrics and KPIs for the fund accounting function and recommend new metrics for monitoring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Provide guidance on the establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness, timeliness of reporting, and fund NAV accuracy.- Stakeholder Engagement:

Collaborate with senior leadership, operational teams, auditors, and third-party service providers to ensure smooth execution of the advisory recommendations.

Work with the finance and investment teams to assess the impact of changes to the operating model on broader business goals, such as cost optimisation, scalability, and service delivery improvements.- Reporting & Documentation:

Document findings from the review process, including a comprehensive gap analysis, opportunities for process optimisation, and detailed action plans.

Provide regular status updates to senior management on the progress of the review and advisory implementation.- Training & Knowledge Transfer:

Support training and knowledge transfer sessions for internal teams regarding any new processes, technologies, or changes in best practices as a result of the advisory process.

Assist in the preparation of internal training materials, manuals, and process documentation as needed.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

- Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent professional qualification).

CPA, CA, or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification preferred but not essential.

Relevant certifications in fund accounting systems or related technologies (e.g., Xero, Axiom, Eagle, or similar systems) is advantageous.- Experience:

Significant experience in fund accounting, with significant exposure to fund management, investment operations, and financial reporting.

Proven experience in advising or consulting on fund accounting operations, ideally across a range of asset classes (equities, fixed income, alternatives, etc.).

In-depth knowledge of Australian and international financial regulations affecting fund accounting (e.g., ASIC, APRA, FATCA, AIFMD, etc.).

Strong experience in process review, efficiency optimisation, and systems evaluation in a fund accounting environment.- Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of fund accounting systems and financial reporting platforms.

Proficiency with accounting software and tools (e.g., Axiom, Eagle, Advent, or similar systems).

Advanced Excel and data analysis skills (financial modeling, reporting, reconciliations).

Familiarity with regulatory reporting frameworks and financial statement preparation.- Personal Skills:

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with senior management, auditors, and external service providers.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to diagnose issues and propose practical solutions.

Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple workstreams with competing deadlines.

Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format.

Disclaimer

Notwithstanding any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies.

Square One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement