Head of Finance and Operations, Private Investment Firm

The role is primarily to support the establishment, operating and maintenance of the investment vehicles in Singapore. These investment vehicles have been set up for the benefit of the relevant funds and it is important that they are managed in accordance with the relevant tax and regulatory regime. This role will oversee the operations in line with these regulations by overseeing the financial reporting and key operational processes.

The reporting side of the role will be supported by an external team of accountants and fund administrators. Whilst the role does not require the maintenance of local accounting records, there is a requirement to review, analyse and critique all reporting produced by the fund administrators and any other service providers, to ensure accurate financial records are in line with regulations and an adequate control environment is being maintained.

Responsibilities are very varied and are outlined below. The successful individual does not need to have relevant experience in all areas given the breadth of the role but must have the ability and enthusiasm to learn and take on these responsibilities.

The role will report to the Chief Operating Officer, Europe and Head of Asia.

Platform Establishment & Deal monitoring

• Monitoring of the Asian pipeline and communication of expected milestones in order to ensure the pipeline of new investments, distributions and disposal is understood and prepared for and completed smoothly in line with appropriate tax structures and regulations.
• Ensure deal checklists are completed as required by the investment teams and that appropriate approvals are sought.
• Make a high-level review of legal documents to ensure consistency with tax structuring memo, step plans and funds flows and provide comments to the legal team.
• Review due diligence reports to gain pertinent information for the onboarding process (including completion account mechanisms).
• Review and ensure the accuracy of funds flows in line with tax and legal structures

Operational deal on-boarding and liquidation

• Set up of accounting infrastructure for new investments and establishing reporting requirements with key service providers.
• Oversight of the treasury team to ensure bank accounts have been established for new deals
• Supervision of cash movements (typically capital calls and distributions)
• Preparation of a Fund Summary File summarising the key elements of the deal which can be used by all stakeholders as a "bible" to the tax and regulatory aspects of the deal.
• Ensure that third parties are clear on the timing and content of reporting required and ensure it is delivered on a timely basis after acquisition.
• Managing the dissolution of entities following a sale including overseeing completion account finalisation/payments.

Accounting

• Establishing accounting policies for each local jurisdiction and understanding how this relates to the acquisition tax structuring.
• Reviewing and documenting new acquisitions in terms of investment cost, share capital structures and loan structure.
• Documentation and tracking of intra-group loans, interest accruals and interest and ensuring they are in line with tax structures and accurately reflected in the books and records maintained on our client's behalf.
• Review and detailed analysis of accounting and reporting prepared by service providers to ensure it makes sense and is correct.
• Review internally produced asset management valuation spreadsheets and reconcile these to reporting packs provided by external service providers.
• Review of fund expenses incurred and comparison to budget.
• Assist with the external audit process to ensure deadlines are met and documents submitted accurately.
• Review annual statutory accounts prepared by third parties.

Compliance

• Ensure data in key systems is kept up to date (for new entities, structure changes, change of directors, change of entity name etc.)
• For all equity SPVs, including those that roll up into Luxembourg, provide oversight of proper corporate governance and ensure appropriate Board authorisation of transactions.

Tax & Treasury Supervision

• Oversight of the tax team on tax reporting and documentation.
• Oversight of the treasury function.

Key Attributes Required.

• Qualified Chartered accountant with at least 8-10 years post qualification experience.
• Good understanding of tax structuring and issues and able to read and understand legal documentation.
• Previous experience in a real estate investment environment (would be a distinct advantage).
• An enthusiasm to work in a fast-paced environment and take initiative and "roll your sleeves up" to get things done.
• Be able to work independently and interact with senior members of the European and Asian teams.

Singapore Employment Agency Licence No: 16S8069

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