Associate - Fund Accounting

About this role

Job Description

The role requires a detailed technical understanding of Private Equity funds, and the specific intricacies required in preparing financial statements, computing carry, private equity equalization and late closing interest. The role also requires detailed knowledge, through direct working experience, of waterfalls, IRR and other performance metrics (e.g. MoiC, DPI, TERs). The successful candidate will have extensive experience in preparing periodic and annual audited GAAP based financial statements specifically for Private Equity funds.  

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and review quarterly management accounts for client private equity funds.  
• Lead general client reporting requirements, understanding the structure of the existing reports and client service level standards and key performance indicators (KPIs).   
• Compute carry, equalization and late closing interest for funds administered. Prepare and review waterfall calculations.  
• Maintain and process accounting records through journals and other transactions to the general ledger and trial balance.  
• Manage and coordinate annual fund audits with external auditors and the client.  
• Review draft annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS, UK GAAP, US GAAP, Canadian GAAP and Lux GAAP depending on fund domicile.  
• Liaise with the tax team to ensure timely completion of tax engagements and appropriate charges and accruals are recorded in the financial statements.  
• Complete and review regulatory returns as and when required.  
• Develop a clear understanding of cash management function of the funds.  
• Work with and provide support to the treasury team as and when required including but not limited to review bank reconciliation, cash management reports, daily liquidity monitoring, invoice and payment releases   
• Involvement in vital team management and allocation planning   
• Training development and potential management of junior team members   
• Involvement in RFPs for new prospects and successful onboarding of new clients   

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve the quality and consistency of fund accounting and reporting activities.
• Drive the development and adoption of AI and automation solutions to streamline fund accounting, strengthen analysis and reconciliations, improve exception detection and reporting, and enhance review effectiveness with appropriate governance and oversight.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of strong related experience in the private equity fund accounting is preferred   

• An understanding of fund/group structures preferred but not essential   
• Knowledge on private equity carry, waterfall, LCI and equalisation specific to private equity funds   
• UK or US GAAP working knowledge is essential and IFRS, Canadian GAAP or Lux GAAP is desirable but not essential   
• Experience with FIA (front invest analytics) ideal, but not required   
• Excellent working knowledge of accounting databases/running reports   
• Competent user of MS Excel and other MS products  

• Experience in using AI and automation tools, including identifying use-case scenarios, prompt writing, output validation, and responsible data governance.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

Guidance on AI use for candidates

At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com. We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.