Fund Services - Quality Assurance Review Team, Director

Morgan Stanley Fund Services (“MSFS”) is a leading provider of third party hedge fund services with offices in New York, London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Glasgow, Bangalore and Mumbai and has over 1,400 employees globally.
  
Role Description

The Accounting – Quality Assurance Review Team plays a key role in fund accounting oversight within the global MSFS model.  This role will focus on carrying out reviews of NAVs that have been completed in all MSFS locations.  The successful candidate will be providing valuable input in terms of analytical skills, issue identification and resolution thereof with a view towards enhancing the quality of the NAV being produced.

The successful candidate will also be initiating, participating and leading a number of accounting related Quality Assurance focused projects and initiatives, including ensuring a smooth transition of new clients on to MSFS platforms. These will range from structured projects and initiatives that will be embedded in the monthly workflows to ad hoc initiatives that are likely to be once off or intermittently run.
 

Principal Accountabilities:

• Final Accounting Review of NAVs completed in either the same or other MSFS locations within a defined time delivery schedule
• Develop effective analytical tools and review procedures to enhance NAV deliveries and perform enhanced reviews and provide innovative solutions
• Spearhead Quality Assurance initiatives and projects within Accounting with a drive towards ensuring consistent high quality work products are delivered
• Assist in the development of best practices for Fund Accounting to enable the firm to improve its efficiency and effectiveness while ensuring that the firm is producing quality output
• Provide exception reporting to senior management and functional groups on the adherence of Fund Accounting to group policies and procedures
• Design, implement and enhance policies,  procedures and controls based on observations
• Build and manage relationships with senior management and other business owners to champion deliverables
• Integrate with global colleagues to ensure standard operating practice
• Maintain up to date knowledge of GAAP and industry updates and ensure relevant application of the same
• Undertake any other responsibilities, tasks or activities as reasonably required

Qualifications

• Experience in the Hedge Funds and private equity industry is required. Public accounting, Hedge Fund Administration or management experience is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in dealing with complex private equity and hybrid structures, including calculation methodologies (waterfalls etc), capital call mechanisms and understanding challenges with rebalances would be an advantage.
• 5 -7 years PQE with public accounting experience servicing investment related companies. Ideal candidate should demonstrate extensive experience in auditing and a thorough understanding of industry and accounting practices.
• Strong technical skills. US GAAP knowledge required including strong understanding of hedge fund structures and private equity fund structures . Knowledge of other accounting standards like IFRS would be an advantage
• Understanding of family office structures and reporting would be an advantage
• Proven ability to advise/influence group managers, employees and senior management
• Previous Quality Assurance experience in a related field would be an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both oral and written
• Broad and deep understanding of accounting and operational issues related to hedge fund, private equity and regulated funds administration
• Ability to think strategically with excellent planning and prioritization skills
• Ability to deal effectively across all levels of the firm’s extensive support structure
• Ability to work independently and as part of a global team
•  Dynamic leader and proven team player
• Ability to handle pressure effectively
•  Execute sound judgment on escalating risk
• Strong work ethic and ability to be flexible and be involved in ad hoc projects as and when they arise
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
• Fully completed Accounting qualification/certification e.g. CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA,

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

We are committed to maintaining the first-class service and high standard of excellence that have defined Morgan Stanley for over 89 years. Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - aren’t just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 office