Alternative Ops Fund Accounting, AVP

Why this role is important to us

With more than US$1 trillion in assets under administration and over 3,500 employees exclusively focused on alternative asset servicing, State Street delivers industry-leading alternative asset services to clients worldwide. We provide a complete suite of fund accounting, fund administration, corporate administration, risk and credit services to more than 500 clients, including institutional investors, hedge fund, private equity fund and real estate fund managers. Our team of alternative investment professionals has more than 20 years of experience working with leading alpha-generating funds, and combines extensive product expertise with flexible and innovative solutions specifically designed for alternative investments.

An opportunity has become available for suitable candidate to join our Alternative Investment Solutions (AIS) team in Singapore.  The primary client account for this role is a leading global fund manager with a growing pan-Asian real estate platform with USD 5 billion of assets in Asia.  This role is also expected to support other real estate and private equity funds and clients.

What you will be responsible for

i) Client Engagement

• Strengthen client relationships.  Take ownership of client communication and prompt follow up of service requests

• Manage client expectations.  Participate in discussions with both existing clients and prospects

• Ensure the timeliness and accuracy of client deliverables in accordance with agreed service standards

• Coordinate with clients’ internal stakeholders and other service providers including auditors,  corporate secretary, law firms, banks and property accountants to ensure smooth service delivery.

• Understand fund agreements and documents.  Guide staff on the understanding and application of key terms

• Advise clients on relevant accounting and reporting matters

ii) Service Delivery

• Ensure monthly and quarterly client deliverables meet or exceed clients’ expectation:

• Prepare/review management accounts, financial statements and other deliverables including NAV calculations, capital call & distribution notices, fee calculations and investor requests

• Coordinate annual audit and tax return preparation with external accounting firms

• Respond to ad hoc client requests and queries promptly

• Review fund governing agreements and offering memorandums to ensure alignment of  operational and accounting procedures

• Prepare and maintain robust operational processes and internal controls in accordance with  State Street policies

iii) Management

• Manage staff to successful and timely completion of client deliverables. 

• Set goals and career development plans for direct reports in accordance with State Street’s performance planning process.  Provide regular feedback and guidance to develop staff

• Manage the quality of deliverables from offshore centers of excellence

• Coordinate effectively with various internal service teams on client deliverables

• Oversee the risk management and compliance of accounting processes.

• Initiate and manage ongoing process improvement

• Coordinate with other global locations on corporate initiatives and deliverables

iv) Other Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage special client and corporate projects

• Internal reporting

What we value

• Strong knowledge of private equity and real estate fund accounting

• Strong client relations and team management skills

• Team player with a proactive and positive approach to work

• Hands-on, meticulous and resourceful

• Problem solving and technical skills to handle complex transactions and structures

• Organizational and project management skills to multi-task in a fast paced environment

• Familiarity with Investran would be viewed favorably

• Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced MS Excel skills. 

Education & Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in accountancy.  Professional accounting qualification

• 10 years of accounting experience including with private equity and/or real estate funds, part of which must have been in a managerial role.

• Sound knowledge of FRS/IFRS.

• Prior process improvement and system implementation experience would be viewed favorably.

Additional qualification

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Vice President to join our Alternative Investment Solutions team. This is your opportunity to join a global leader in financial services providing services to some of the world's most sophisticated institutions.