Fund Controller

Overview

A newly established fund controller position within a $2 billion credit-focused investment manager headquartered in Southern California offers a rare chance to build an internal fund accounting function from the ground up. Reporting directly to the Chief Business Officer, this role demands a CPA with a strong audit background and hands-on experience in fund accounting, particularly within public credit strategies such as high-yield bonds and leveraged loans. The successful candidate will shape accounting systems, oversee fund administrator outputs, and expand responsibilities into tax, budgeting, and financial planning as the firm scales.

Title: Fund Controller
Industry: Human Resources Consulting
Location: South Orange County, CA

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership to design and implement accounting and general ledger processes within the firm’s portfolio management system, including account mapping and period-end workflows.
• Maintain and reconcile independent accounting records against third-party fund administrator data, covering cash, positions, accruals, realized and unrealized gains, and net asset value.
• Conduct detailed reviews of monthly profit and loss estimates and NAV calculations, identifying and resolving discrepancies related to pricing, valuation, and accruals.
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of investor capital account statements and quarterly fund financial statements, ensuring consistency with underlying accounting records.
• Manage the annual fund audit process, coordinating with auditors and external providers to address inquiries and finalize deliverables.
• Serve as the primary accounting liaison to fund administrators, auditors, and tax advisors, ensuring clear communication and timely issue resolution.
• Expand oversight to include fund tax reporting, management company accounting, budgeting, and forecasting as the internal function matures.

Qualifications

• Must-Have:
  • CPA certification or internationally recognized equivalent.
  • Audit experience at a top-20 public accounting firm with exposure to investment fund accounting.
  • Proven knowledge of ASC 946, NAV calculations, financial statements, and investor reporting within credit-focused funds.
  • Hands-on experience with fund administrator oversight, reconciliations, and financial controls.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and familiarity with accounting systems and detailed financial data analysis.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior management and external service providers.
• Nice-to-Have:
  • In-house fund accounting experience at a hedge fund or alternative asset manager, especially within liquid credit strategies.
  • Familiarity with high-yield bonds, syndicated leveraged loans, and complex bank debt accounting.
  • Experience implementing or enhancing fund accounting systems, general ledgers, or independent NAV and P&L reconciliation processes.
  • Practical knowledge of AI, automation tools, or programming languages like Python to optimize accounting and reporting workflows.