Fund Financial Reporting Specialist - 13 month FTC - Edinburgh

W&A is working with an asset management organisation based in Edinburgh to help source a Fund Financial Reporting Specialist for a 13-month fixed-term contract.

The role will involve a blend of home-based and office working with 1-2 days a week in the office.

This role is responsible for taking a lead role in the analytical review of Financial Statements prepared by third-party administrators including Investment Trust, OEIC, Unit Trust, SICAV.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop in a stimulating working environment within an organisation that is committed to helping you build upon your experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure financial statements are compliant with appropriate accounting standards (e.g. UK GAAP, IFRS, Luxembourg GAAP) and regulatory requirements
• Liaison with auditors to ensure that the annual audit is properly planned, and carried out efficiently and effectively
• Oversight of controls and procedures at third-party administrators to ensure accurate financial information is provided on a timely basis and remediation taken where necessary
• Preparation and presentation of memos to fund Boards confirming the review of financial statements, providing analysis, and discussing any issues that have arisen
• Review of change in regulations and accounting standards and impact on financial statements, and preparation of Board papers discussing these changes
• Provision of ad-hoc support to the investment and product teams in relation to significant transactions and projects
• Close liaison with the investment and product teams to remain informed on the funds’ business and operations
• Preparation of accounting papers for complex transactions or new asset classes to ensure correct accounting treatment

Required Skills & Experience:

• ACA/ACCA qualified accountant (or equivalent)
• Previous experience of working on investment trusts
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, AIC SORP, IA SORP
• Beneficial to have knowledge of Luxembourg GAAP, IFRS
• Good experience of financial statutory accounting
• Good debt securities and derivatives knowledge
• Exposure to institutional and wholesale fund structures
• Self-motivated with a diligent and detailed approach to completing tasks
• Strong analytical skills. Able to understand, question and challenge a range of financial data
• Confidence to communicate effectively with a range of internal and external parties
• Flexible and proactive approach
• Excel (to advanced level is desirable)