Associate Director - Finance

Who we are

Saffery Trust is a director-led firm of individually expert, collectively exceptional people. We help clients to optimise their personal and business wealth and to create lasting legacies. We have the freedom and agility to act in the moment, and the wisdom and experience to plan for the long-term.

Established in Guernsey in 1977, we are one of the largest independent private client firms in the island. As an accredited STEP Platinum Employer Partner, we offer great benefits, including: 

• a competitive salary
• flexible working and dress for your day policies
• full financial support and study leave for professional development
• top-level health insurance for our people
• annual performance-based bonuses
• e-bikes free for staff use and opportunities to take part in green initiatives
• regular sports and social events as well as opportunities to support local charities 

The role

We’re looking for an experienced finance professional who has extensive technical knowledge gained within the Internal Finance arena and a minimum of five years in a senior management role. 
In this role you will assist the Finance Director to prepare, control and report on the financial performance of the trust group, to include the preparation of consolidated monthly reporting, annual budgets and financial targets to be included in strategic business plans.

The responsibilities

You’ll be working in a friendly and progressive environment as a member of the team to undertake a broad range of duties including: 

• providing strategic oversight of the Finance function, ensuring delivery of high-quality outputs, consistency of standards, and effective resourcing and acting as the escalation point for complex technical, operational and client-related matters
• leading, supporting and developing the Finance Manager and Assistant Managers, and drive a high-performance culture with clear expectations, accountability and ongoing coaching 
• monitoring workflow, capacity and utilisation across the team, ensuring work is effectively allocated and deadlines are met
• identifying inefficiencies and leading improvements to processes, systems and controls, including automation and transformation initiatives and effectively collaborate with relevant colleagues
• contributing to the development and management of the budgetary process and monitoring performance against targets and identifying areas of improvement through supporting the leadership to cost control, recovery and profitability
• providing guidance on complex accounting and financial matters, ensuring adherence to relevant standards and best practice and maintaining oversight of regulatory developments and ensure appropriate implementation within the team
• ensuring robust controls and governance are in place across the Finance team to support audits and regulatory reviews, ensuring issues are identified, managed and resolved appropriately
• supporting the senior management team to shape the future direction of the Finance function, including operating model, structure and service delivery and contributing to wider business initiatives, including growth, system enhancements and multijurisdictional alignment

You

• extensive technical knowledge and demonstrated technical ability gained within the internal finance arena, along with previous experience of raw data implementation and management of data visualisation software, to include a minimum of 5 years within a senior management position
• successful attainment of ACA/ACCA qualification (or equivalent) along with meeting your CPD requirements
• excellent communication skills and the ability to converse with a diverse range of people, often key stakeholders, along with the ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships
• ability to produce, review and understand a range of documentation, usually of a highly complex nature, relating to comprehensive advice and legislation or managing complex transactions, with acute attention to detail and accuracy
• demonstrated critical analysis skills to enable review of existing processes and procedures, along with the ability to formulate ideas and concepts and present these to the Board along with commitment to carry through to fruition
• demonstrated ability to work to deadlines and project plans (some of which are likely to involve long-term planning) without direction to ensure that objectives are achieved
• ability to consider and select the most appropriate solutions to a given situation while adopting a commercial approach so that consideration is given to an activity’s impact on the business and client service excellence
• strong leadership skills which demonstrate the ability to understand, inspire and develop others along with personal qualities of integrity, discretion and tact
• compliance with the firm's Information Security Policy and associated procedures, as updated from time to time

About Saffery Trust

We are a director-led firm of individually expert, collectively exceptional people with a number of international offices.  We continually seek to evolve and enhance our service offering, positioning ourselves as one of the leading trust companies. Excellence is at the core of everything that we do.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable assets, and we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where everyone is seen, heard, and respected. We are committed to the personal and professional development of our people, and we support and promote good mental, physical, social, and financial well-being, with year-round initiatives and opportunities.

Senior Associate / Counsel - Guernsey

We are seeking an experienced Litigation Lawyer to join our established Guernsey Litigation practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for a high‑calibre Commonwealth‑qualified lawyer with a minimum of 5 years’ post‑qualification experience to work on complex, high‑quality contentious matters within a leading offshore practice.

You will advise on a broad range of litigation and contentious regulatory matters, advising financial services clients, including banks, corporates, investment managers, fund administrators and trust companies as well as their investors and private clients.

You will:

• Be Commonwealth qualified with at least 5 years’ PQE
• Bring experience in contentious regulatory matters along with knowledge of financial crime, sanctions, and AML‑related issues
• Demonstrate excellent technical ability, sound judgement and strong drafting skills
• Be a collaborative team player with the confidence to manage matters effectively and contribute to business development

If you are looking to take the next step in your Litigation career within a high‑performing and supportive team, we would welcome your application.

Associate - Guernsey

We are looking to recruit an ambitious and personable associate into our prestigious Corporate team in Guernsey.

Our corporate practice - one of the largest in the offshore legal market - is a cornerstone of our legal services offering. The award-winning corporate team is renowned for its excellence and commitment to delivering high-quality and expert service to our clients.  Becoming part of the team would offer you the opportunity to advise on some of the most cutting-edge work taking place in the offshore world from within a flexible and supportive team environment.

Applicants should have an excellent academic background, qualified in a Commonwealth jurisdiction with post qualification experience in corporate banking, finance and/or funds . 

Please click on "Apply for this job" to submit a CV for this vacancy.

Associate - Guernsey

We are looking to recruit an ambitious and personable associate into our prestigious Corporate team in Guernsey.

Our corporate practice - one of the largest in the offshore legal market - is a cornerstone of our legal services offering. The award-winning corporate team is renowned for its excellence and commitment to delivering high-quality and expert service to our clients.  Becoming part of the team would offer you the opportunity to advise on some of the most cutting-edge work taking place in the offshore world from within a flexible and supportive team environment.

Applicants should have an excellent academic background, qualified in a Commonwealth jurisdiction with post qualification experience in corporate banking, finance and/or funds . 

Please click on "Apply for this job" to submit a CV for this vacancy.

Praxis is an independent, leading provider of bespoke private wealth, corporate administration and yacht services to companies, individuals and families across the world.

Our expertise and experience is driven by recruiting and retaining the brightest and best, and creating a culture that allows people to thrive. Our independence encourages an open culture where every voice is valued. We care about creating an environment that hears, supports and shares openly with all our people.

Teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of our approach, and we nurture an environment of openness and respect where everyone feels valued.

Be heard. Be part of the Praxis Group.

Our central services team provides centralised support to the Group. A career with us provides the chance to work with colleagues across our global network, delivering support across technology & business systems, marketing & communications, finance & accounting, compliance & risk, HR, facilities and administration.

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, New Business will lead the end‑to‑end new business onboarding process, from initial introduction through to final acceptance or decline by the relevant New Business Committees for the Channel Islands; Funds & Corporate business and the U.K. This role oversees a multi‑jurisdictional team to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a consistently high‑quality client experience.

Working closely with Compliance, Risk, and key stakeholders across the business, the Senior Manager will contribute to the development of the onboarding strategy, process improvements and system enhancements.

The role carries significant influence across a centralised function, requiring strong commercial insight, sound judgement and strategic leadership.

Key Accountabilities

Onboarding Journey

> Lead and refine the centralised onboarding process, delivered through the KYC360 platform and aligned to Praxis’ regulatory and operational standards.

> Oversee comprehensive KYC, AML and client suitability assessments, ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

> Liaise effectively with third‑party introducers, prospective clients and external legal or tax advisers.

> Develop and maintain robust policies, procedures, guidance, and training programmes for onboarding activities.

> Assist with the design and implementation of appropriate risk controls, including system-based controls, in collaboration with business teams.

> Consolidate reporting on the status of new business take‑on across the Channel Islands and U.K.

> Review lost or rejected business to report on trends and areas for improvement.

> Ensure compliance with Group Outsourcing policies when interacting with other operating entities.

> Support regulatory examinations relating to onboarding and new business processes.

> Own and manage the KYC360 platform, ensuring it evolves to meet business and regulatory needs.

Operations & Business Support

> Review and implement Group Policies, where relevant to the onboarding function, tailoring them to account for local jurisdictional requirements.

> Drive development and enhancements to Acumen, our core database, focusing on data quality, reporting, analytics, and regulatory reporting obligations.

Corporate Governance

> Champion Praxis’ values and promote a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and leadership.

> Understand and contribute to the Group’s strategic direction and operational priorities.

> Recognise and support business transformation and change initiatives.

> Participate in Committees if required.

Leadership

> Foster a culture of ongoing learning, development, and career progression.

> Communicate effectively with the team, ensuring clear information flow and encouraging upward feedback.

> Demonstrate inspirational leadership through conduct, decision‑making and role modelling.

Personal Development

> Maintain up‑to‑date technical expertise through seminars, workshops, publications and industry briefings.

> Proactively identify personal development needs and seek opportunities to build knowledge and skills.

> Log continuing professional development (CPD) activities to meet Praxis’ and regulatory requirements.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

> Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a relevant role.

> Achievement of a recognised professional qualification.

Required Skills

> Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build strong cross‑business relationships as well as liaise with external parties, including directly with potential clients.

> Broad understanding of sector risks, including regulatory, data security and people‑related risks.

> Excellent knowledge of identifying ownership of structures in line with regulatory requirements.

> Strong working knowledge of industry best practice across Private Wealth, Funds, and Corporate Services.

> Experience operating in a cross‑jurisdictional Private Wealth/Corporate Services environment.

> Proven ability to produce high‑quality technical reports.

> Excellent presentation skills.

> Sound commercial and regulatory judgement.

> Ability to coach, mentor, and develop junior colleagues.

Ownership Manager, Yacht Services - Guernsey

Working in support of the Praxis Regulated Directors, responsible for overseeing and coordinating the yacht-specific aspects for all yacht owning SPVs, including liaison with third parties such as Captains, family offices and UBOs as required.

• Acting as senior point of contact for clients, overseeing the yacht-aspects of the relationship and troubleshooting as required.
• Carrying out a programme of client service and periodic reviews, liaising with the head of yacht ownership where other group services are provided, and coordinating the review of the overall Yacht Services as required.
• Managing and supporting the Yacht Ownership desk including being line manager to the administration team within Yacht Ownership (3 FTEs).
• Responsible for the team to follow all policies, processes, and checklists within the Yacht Ownership team. Including, but not limited to Relationship Permanent Records, Yacht Transaction History Records.
• Oversight of the teams KPIs and objectives, ensure they are performing to the agreed SLAs.

Key Tasks

• Working alongside the Head of Yacht Ownership to manage onboarding of new clients, ensuring appropriate tax advice received from UBO’s advisors and building relationships with these advisors.
• Management of yacht transactions, including sale/purchase.
• Ongoing management of VAT & customs status by yacht.
• Ongoing management of the yacht ownership documentation held for each yacht owned.
• Review of ad hoc yacht related contracts, in support of the team lead and Praxis Regulated Directors.
• Management of the Yacht Ownership team, prioritising tasks to ensure key deadlines met and supporting where required.
• Management of a portfolio of SPVs with private and commercial yachts.
• Adoption and roll-out of Praxis Group policies on behalf of the Yacht Services division.

Skills and Experience

• Corporate and fiduciary knowledge and experience from Trust and Corporate background.
• Self-motivated, organised and able to delegate workloads.
• Compliance and regulatory knowledge.
• Commercial awareness, understanding fee reviews, service value, and wide business impact.
• Ability to review contractual agreements and edit.
• Knowledge of Yachts (desirable, although not essential).

Other Considerations

• Working in Guernsey as a place of work.
• Willingness to travel to meet clients, family offices, lawyers, and intermediaries (potentially with colleagues)
• Travel to other Praxis offices as required on occasion.
• Travel to clients/events, as required on occasion.

VACANCY

Position:    Fund & CoSec Administrator

The Orbitus Group is a small local owner managed fiduciary and fund administration business, currently with less than 20 staff including the Directors, presently based in an out of town office in St Sampson.

We are seeking to recruit a full time Fund & CoSec Administrator with relevant industry experience to work in our small, open plan office.

Ideally, we seek a person with a minimum of two years’ experience, preferably with either relevant qualifications or be working towards them, such as CGI. An excellent understanding or very good working knowledge of general office administration, including Microsoft Office, accounting packages and online banking systems. Experience with Acumen as the client data and accounting package and M-Files as the document management system would be advantageous but not a requirement as full training will be provided.

The role is varied, and the right candidate would have the opportunity in time to develop the position, based on their experience. The position provides a rare opportunity to join a small growing business.

Role

The role involves both administration support to the fund and corporate administration team.

The successful candidate will report to the Fund & Corporate Manager / Group Company Secretary.

Day-to-day responsibilities would include, but not be limited to:

• Assist in preparation of investor correspondence and responses to investor queries
• Client dialogue and communication of priorities, escalating where necessary
• Preparation of statutory and regulatory filings
• Maintenance of corporate records and statutory registers
• Preparation of payments and undertaking bank detail call backs
• Processing of contact updates / maintaining records and verifying requests
• Assist with Board Meeting preparation / compilation of Board Packs
• Attend Board Meetings and begin preparation of Minutes
• Liaise with client Boards and communication internally of expectations
• Gauging Director availability and circulating Board Meeting invites
• Drafting of corporate resolutions / actions with guidance
• Monitoring of cash transactions
• Assist in preparation of Fund reporting issuance
• Collating and arranging certification of corporate records
• Reviewing legal documents for accuracy / clerical errors
• Assist in preparation of drawdown / distribution notices with guidance
• Undertake bank account opening and associated workflows
• Prepare requests for CDD from external parties
• Ensure corporate records are complete and undertake electronic filing
• General administrative duties

Package

A very competitive remuneration and full benefits package is available to the successful candidate based on the level of qualifications and experience. Annual holiday entitlement is 25 days. Other benefits include a bonus scheme based on a share in the business’ profit, pension, private health insurance, life insurance and employee income protection insurance.

Our standard working week is 37 hours starting at 9am and finishing at 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 5pm on a Friday, although the start and finishing times can be flexible if required.

Free onsite parking is currently available at the Company’s office which is located in St Sampson. All applications to be addressed to Mr David McNay, Director.

Job Specification – Accountant

Zeta Fund Services Limited (ZFS) launched in January 2022. Owing to continued client growth, ZFS is looking to add to its dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing all audits, including requesting audit proposals, running audit timeline meetings, answering audit queries, follow ups with internal/external parties to make sure all queries are answered timeously and that the audits are running smoothly and all audit deadlines are met
• Understanding and managing deadlines around when Annual Financial statements are due (either regulatory / per agreement / or client agreed deadlines)
• Preparing Annual Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS, including cash flows and other AFS related reconciliations, audit queries / changes etc
• Preparing Management Accounts, including maintaining core financial records such as general ledgers, trial balances, bank reconciliations etc
• Preparing and loading client payments according to their relevant cash control policies and deadlines
• Supporting and building effective relationships with the team and external parties, including clients

• Understanding and interpreting documentation, such as prospectuses, management and adviser agreements, alongside legal and regulatory obligations, and their effect on Management Accounts and Annual Financial Statements
• Assisting with day-to-day ad-hoc requests from clients/management
• Liaising with external parties, including auditors, advisers and third-party administrators

Desired qualifications / Experience

• Ideally 2+ years’ experience in a similar role
• IFRS knowledge
• Professional accountancy qualification i.e., CA(SA), ACA etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Applications, in particular Excel
• Experience with Sage (beneficial but not essential)

Personal attributes required for the role

• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent project management skills (for running the audits)
• Strong work ethic, self-motivated, organised, and able to work to deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to being part of a team
• Strong problem-solving / reconciliation skills

• Commitment to professional growth