Head of Funds Audit Delivery

This review provides insights into the Head of Funds Audit Delivery role, a 12-month fixed-term contract opportunity based exclusively in London.

The Opportunity:

This position is a significant leadership role for an accomplished professional with a strong background in asset management, particularly within private markets. You will be instrumental in managing the end-to-end delivery of fund audits and tax returns for a substantial portfolio of over 400 funds. This includes complex structures like LTAFs, Ground Rent Funds, and Private Market Funds, encompassing both Luxembourg and UK fund ranges.

The role requires a Senior Technical Programme Manager profile, demanding deep expertise in fund management, audit processes, and financial accounting. You'll be responsible for strategic planning, ensuring timely execution, and proactively managing risks. A key aspect of this role involves extensive stakeholder engagement with internal teams at Aviva Investors and Aviva Group, as well as external partners like HSBC Fund Controllers and auditors (EY and BDO). You will also lead governance forums, formalize third-party engagements, and oversee communication and reporting.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• High-Impact Leadership: This is a pivotal role offering the chance to lead a critical function within a large and reputable organization. You will have the opportunity to shape and drive audit delivery processes.
• Diverse Fund Exposure: Gain experience managing audits for a wide array of complex fund structures, including niche and evolving areas like LTAFs and Private Markets.
• Strategic Stakeholder Management: Develop and leverage strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, enhancing your influencing and communication skills.
• Technical Depth: The role demands and will further develop your expertise in fund management, audit, financial accounting, and regulatory compliance.
• Career Development: While a fixed-term contract, this role offers significant opportunities to enhance your resume with leadership experience in a challenging and multifaceted environment.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Aviva offers a competitive package including a generous pension scheme, annual performance bonus eligibility, family-friendly leave, substantial holiday entitlement, product discounts, private medical insurance, and share plans.
• Commitment to Inclusion: Aviva actively promotes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. They are committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.
• Flexible Working Environment: While the contractual location is London, Aviva embraces flexible working patterns, including smart working, where employees typically spend around 50% of their time in the office.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• London-Based Role: This position is strictly based in London, and other locations cannot be considered. Candidates must be willing and able to work in this location for the duration of the contract.
• Fixed-Term Contract: The role is for a 12-month fixed-term contract, so candidates should be seeking this type of engagement.
• Technical Requirements: A strong foundation in Asset Management, particularly Private Markets, is essential. Candidates will need to demonstrate proven experience in project management within this industry, coupled with deep technical accounting knowledge.
• External Audit Experience: While not explicitly stated as a deal-breaker for all aspects, experience delivering or performing external audits, ideally within Asset Management and from a Big 4 or medium-sized firm, is highly valued and advantageous.
• Fund Services Knowledge: While not a mandatory requirement, a good understanding of fund accounting, transfer agency, AML/KYC, banking, depository, and tax provisions would be beneficial.

For candidates looking to make a significant impact in fund audit delivery within a reputable financial institution and gain extensive experience with complex fund structures, this role presents a compelling opportunity. Your ability to navigate intricate audit processes, manage diverse stakeholders, and demonstrate strong technical acumen will be key to success.