Fund Controller, Debt Investments (m|f|x) London

Team Overview:  Within the specialised Debt Investments business, there is a Debt Finance & Loan Agency team of 6 people responsible for accounting, financial reporting, cash management, statutory / fiscal compliance and the loan agency & servicing for all funds and separate accounts advised by the Debt Investment team. The team currently manages eight debt funds / separate accounts. The Finance team also plays a key role in fund structuring/set-up, bank financing and liquidations as well as taking responsibility for corporate matters in relation to fund entities. LaSalle are looking to recruit an experienced Fund Controller with drive, excellent communication skills and the ability to work in the challenging and exciting Debt Investment business.

The candidate will take ownership of a mezzanine debt fund which is in its divestment phase alongside its side car vehicle which is still in its investment period.  The successful candidate will also be overseeing the loan agency & servicing function managed by a third-party service provider.

Aufgaben

Accounting & Operations

• Oversight and management of the accounting, consolidation and reporting processes for the fund, including quarterly/annual financial statements, investor reporting, annual financial accounts and investor requests. The candidate will be required to review the accounts of the fund (with the assistance of external providers).
• Manage the audit and tax compliance processes, including fee negotiations, scope determination, appointment and co-ordination of external advisers
• Serving as a single point of contact for internal fund managers, portfolio & asset managers and administrators.
• Responsible for cash management of the fund, including calculation of investor calls and distributions along with making recommendations to the fund managers
• Oversight and management of back leverage compliance requirements

• Interact and liaise with different LaSalle functions in accordance with internal controls, external regulations and specific fund processes
• Liaise with the wider and different LaSalle Finance functions and ensure all information and reporting requirements are provided in an accurate and timely manner – including budgeting and forecasting.
• Assist in due diligence and structuring of new debt investments.
• Working closely with the wider banking team / service provider to ensure seamless setup and running of the pledged accounts, being the link between the borrower and the banking team / service provider.

Loan Agency & Servicing

• Oversight of loan agency & servicing aspects of the loans within the fund including Day 1 set up of new deals in the system, interest payment statements, compliance testing, waterfalls management, valuations instructions and dealing with borrower requests – in accordance with loan agreements
• Have deep understanding of the loan investment portfolio.  Liaise with internal specialists to draft recommendations with respect to borrower requests/ issues.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified accountant with 1 – 2 years post qualification experience (ACA, ACCA preferred)
• Fund or CRE debt experience (an experience in both would be advantageous but not essential)
• Knowledge of loan agreements mechanics & key operational clauses
• Excellent Excel knowledge and experience of Yardi or similar General Ledger systems an advantage
• Commercial mindset
• Good problem solving and analytical skills
• Self-motivated/takes initiative, pro-active with a ‘client-service’ mentality whether internal or external ‘clients’
• Organised, methodical and with an eye for detail and accuracy
• Hard working, ability to meet deadlines and multi-task
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Kontakt

Sarah Pilkington

Head of HR, Europe

Standort

78 St James's St, GB-SW1A 1JB London