Fund Accountant

This review offers a professional perspective on the Fund Accountant opportunity at Barclays, designed to provide clarity and guidance for prospective candidates navigating their career paths.

Embark on a Rewarding Career in Fund Accounting at Barclays

Barclays presents an exciting opportunity for a skilled Fund Accountant to join their Private Banking Wealth Management team in Glasgow. This role is central to overseeing critical fund administration activities outsourced to a Third Party Administrator (TPA), encompassing fund accounting, transfer agency, and custody functions. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with a strong focus on reviewing, reporting, and resolving any identified issues.

Advantages for Aspiring Fund Accountants:

• Strategic Oversight & Control: This position offers a unique chance to develop robust skills in performing key controls for TPA functions, including daily Net Asset Value (NAV) publication, cash flow analysis, financial statement review, and managing fund lifecycle events like launches, mergers, and liquidations. This hands-on experience is invaluable for career progression.
• Intellectual Stimulation & Growth: The role demands strong analytical prowess and meticulous attention to detail. You'll be engaging with complex investment products (equities, bonds, funds, derivatives), fostering a deep understanding of financial markets and instruments.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You'll have the opportunity to collaborate extensively with internal teams across Barclays and external stakeholders, honing your communication and interpersonal skills. This exposure is crucial for building a comprehensive understanding of a global financial institution.
• Impactful Contribution: As a Fund Accountant, you will directly contribute to the smooth operation and strategic development of Private Banking and Wealth Management services. Your recommendations for process improvements and your involvement in implementing new procedures will have a tangible impact.
• Career Development & Recognition: The role emphasizes continuous improvement and developing technical expertise. For those aspiring to leadership, there's a clear path to guiding and supporting teams. Barclays also fosters a culture of professional development, encouraging adherence to industry best practices and offering opportunities to engage in transformative projects.
• Exposure to Industry Trends: You'll be at the forefront of identifying industry trends and developments, enabling you to implement best practices and contribute to the evolution of Private Banking and Wealth Management services.
• Leverage Your Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel, including advanced functions like PivotTables, VLOOKUP, and Macros, is essential. This role provides a platform to further refine and apply these critical skills.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Technical Acumen: A solid understanding of fund accounting principles, investment products, and relevant regulations is paramount. You should be prepared to demonstrate in-depth technical knowledge and experience.
• Analytical Rigor: The ability to conduct detailed analysis, identify discrepancies, and propose effective solutions is a cornerstone of this role. Attention to detail is not just a desirable trait, but a requirement.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The financial services industry is dynamic. Candidates should possess adaptability and resilience to navigate evolving market conditions and operational challenges.
• Professional Qualifications: Being part-qualified with a CISI certification is a key requirement, indicating a commitment to professional development and industry standards in fund administration.
• Leadership Potential (if applicable): For roles with leadership responsibilities, demonstrating the "LEAD" behaviours (Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others) will be crucial for creating a thriving team environment.
• Risk Management and Controls: A strong understanding of risk management principles and the ability to embed new policies and procedures to strengthen controls is essential.
• Strategic Thinking: The role encourages not only operational excellence but also strategic thinking, requiring you to consider the broader implications of your work on the organization's objectives.
• Barclays Values: Candidates are expected to embody the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, alongside the Barclays Mindset of Empower, Challenge, and Drive.

This Fund Accountant position at Barclays offers a significant opportunity for ambitious professionals to contribute to a leading financial institution, enhance their expertise, and drive their career forward within the wealth management sector.