Vice President, Senior Fund Controller

Team Overview

Within the specialised Debt Investments business, there is a Debt Finance & Loan Agency team of six people responsible for accounting, financial reporting, cash management, statutory/fiscal compliance and loan agency & servicing for all funds and separate accounts advised by the Debt Investment team. The team currently manages nine 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 is looking to recruit an experienced Senior 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 four funds/separate accounts in total. This comprises one mezzanine debt fund in its divestment phase, where the candidate will work with a third-party liquidator on the wind-up of the structure once the last remaining debt investment is repaid. In addition, the candidate will provide financial oversight and sign-off for three further debt funds – two in their divestment period and one actively investing – with day-to-day administration handled by their respective Fund Controllers. The candidate will also take ownership of the workout structures relating to the enforced positions sitting within the two funds in their divestment phase. The enforced positions are now held as equity investments requiring asset-level reporting which are consolidated into the Funds. The successful candidate will also oversee the loan agency & servicing function managed by a third-party service provider.

Role And Accountabilities

Accounting & Operations

• Oversight and management of the accounting, consolidation and reporting processes for the four funds using the Yardi accounting system, 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).
• Oversight of the audit and tax compliance processes, including fee negotiations, scope determination, appointment and co-ordination of external advisers.
• Serve as a single point of contact for internal fund managers, portfolio & asset managers and administrators in relation to the structures for the enforced positions
• Managing third-party providers on all reporting and regulatory requirements for the enforced-position structures, including standalone financial statements.
• Oversight for cash management of the funds, including calculation of investor calls and distributions, along with making recommendations to the fund managers.
• Manage the liquidation of entities that no longer have any operations within the fund structure.
• Liaise with the wider Finance functions across LaSalle and ensure all information and reporting requirements are provided accurately and on time – including budgeting and forecasting.
• Assist in due diligence and structuring of new debt investments.
• Managing two Fund controllers, providing guidance / training and running yearly appraisal process
• Work closely with the wider banking team/service provider to ensure seamless set-up and running of the pledged accounts, acting as 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 funds, including Day 1 set-up of new deals in the system, interest payment statements, compliance testing, waterfalls management, valuation instructions and dealing with borrower requests – in accordance with loan agreements.
• Have a deep understanding of the loan investment portfolio.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified accountant with 5 years' post-qualification experience (ACA, ACCA preferred).
• Fund or CRE debt experience (experience in both would be advantageous but not essential).
• Knowledge of loan agreement mechanics and 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, and pro-active with a ‘client-service’ mentality, whether internal or external clients.
• Organised, methodical, and with an eye for detail and accuracy.
• Hard-working, with the ability to meet deadlines and multi-task.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  

LaSalle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all sections of the community.