Investment Accountant at Stonehage Fleming

OVERALL PURPOSE

• The primary purpose of the role is to support the investment reporting team both for onshore and offshore clients and to support the administration needs of the client managers and the portfolio analysts.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• This role reports to the team leader, who in turn reports to the Head of Investment Accounting South Africa based in Cape Town and has a strong working relationship with the Investment team across all Stonehage Fleming offices. Other working relationships include general Stonehage Fleming Relationship Managers, Fiduciary Accountants, external investment managers and linked investment service providers.

PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Delivery of a high‑quality service that is accurate, timeous, and reliable with respect to reporting. 
• Daily reconciliation of bank accounts, investments and general investment accounting breaks, with the ability and resolve exceptions.
• Assisting with collating contract notes relating to corporate actions and reconciling client portfolio’s.
• Ensuring appropriate controls are in place and performing daily control checks to mitigate risk, improve system efficiency, and proactively identify opportunities for process improvements. 
• Supporting the management and coordinating of team deliverables relating to projects and new client take-on’s.
• Handling queries efficiently to ensure resolution of both internal and external client queries (in conjunction with the client relationship management team on monthly statements, valuations, deal with selected billing, tax reporting requirements.
• Assist in daily, monthly and quarterly Investment Review processes.
• Administrative problem‑solving and the creation of efficiencies within the admin environment. 
• Liaising with 3rd‑party service providers and various internal contacts, including banks and custodians. 
• Draft general correspondence.
• Maintaining the filing database, including daily filing of client documents, contract notes, valuations, and bank statements. 
• Ability to work both from the office and from home according to a set weekly schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.Com Accounting/Commerce/Finance) with accounting and investment insight. At least 1 to 3 years’ experience in similar roles or Fund Accounting positions.

SKILLS

• Proficiency in MS Office
• Confident and professional telephone manners
• Ability to work with accounting or reporting software; experience with Business Central would be advantageous.

COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIOURS

• Planning & Organizing: Schedules and manages workload effectively, thinks ahead, sets plans to achieve goals.
• Teamwork: Supports and works toward team goals, shares information, is helpful and cooperative, and works effectively with colleagues across the wider group.
• Communication Skills: Communicates clearly and concisely, listens effectively, and produces clear written communication.
• Client Orientation: Understands and satisfies client needs at all times, delivers excellent client service, and takes full responsibility and accountability for all client matters, including delegated tasks.
• Accuracy, Quality & Productivity: Delivers work of a high standard; output is accurate, error‑free, and produced consistently at a satisfactory level.