Fund Accountant

Position Purpose
This role is responsible for preparing monthly management reports, variance analyses, balance sheet reconciliations, BAS, unit statements, and tax distribution calculations for a portfolio of unlisted property funds within the Office business.

Key Responsibilities

Monthly & Ongoing Responsibilities:

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including analytical commentary, and present results to stakeholders.
• Account for development properties, joint ventures, borrowings, derivatives, distributions, and subsidiary consolidations.
• Calculate monthly unit prices per the Unit Pricing Policy.
• Prepare and lodge BAS/GST returns.
• Calculate distribution taxes and liaise with external tax advisers.
• Monitor short-term cash positions and cash flows.
• Compile quarterly investor reports and monthly Charter Hall Group reports.
• Issue trust invoices, process payments, and ensure accurate coding.
• Support new fund setups, coordinating with transaction and property accounting teams.
• Maintain financial data integrity in Yardi.
• Collaborate with property managers, property accountants, and the transactions team on acquisitions or disposals.

Annual Responsibilities:

• Prepare consolidated financial statements, including cash flow statements and supporting workpapers, and liaise with external auditors.
• Calculate and file annual income tax returns, including CGT calculations, with external tax advisers.
• Review debt compliance certificates.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support asset managers, fund analysts, investor relations, and investors with ad hoc requests.
• Lead or assist in team projects and process improvements.
• Apply technical accounting and taxation knowledge to complex scenarios.
• Assist team members during peak workloads and contribute to broader business initiatives.
• Engage in professional development, including training and mentorship.

Key Outcomes:

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including year-end statements, fund reporting packs, GST, distributions, and unit pricing.

Challenges:

• Meeting strict monthly deadlines while managing multiple stakeholders.
• Navigating a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Relationships

Internal: Office Financial Controller, Head of Office Finance, Fund Managers & Analysts, Asset Management, Property Management, Treasury, Taxation, Transactions, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Company Secretariat, and Shared Services.

External: Auditors, Joint Venture Partners, ATO, Tax Agents, Consultants, External Property Managers, Accountants, and Custodians.

What We're Looking For

Behavioural Competencies:

• Passion for property, with energy and ambition.
• Strong team player, committed to achieving team goals.
• Excellent time management and planning skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ownership of deliverables, including projects and process improvements.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.
• Adaptability to new systems and reporting requirements.

Technical Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or finance.
• CA (or equivalent) qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Excel; strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Property industry experience is an advantage.
• Familiarity with Yardi general ledger system and knowledge of stapled groups/complex consolidations is a plus.