Specialist, Accountant (Private Equity) - R144848

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Role/ Department:

A vacancy has arisen in our Private Equity (PE) Operations team. Northern Trust offers a first class service to a variety of PE clients and work as a closely to ensure deliverables are met. 

You will be working as a key member within the accounting team whilst providing additional support to the wider team that administers either a variety of clients or a very large client with an active investment portfolio.

Key components of the role include liaising with internal teams and the Investment Advisor, completion of various non-accounting tasks, completion of all aspects of accounting and dealing with ad-hoc queries as they arise, all within scheduled timeframes and ensuring that all client KPIs are met.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

· Leading by example: Demonstrating professional judgement and attitude in all aspects of your work to assist in furthering an environment which encourages employee participation, teamwork and communication enabling the delivery of a first class professional and efficient service

· Communication: Promoting effective communication via individual 1:2:1 and team meetings.  Maintaining a strong relationship with the client, auditors, administration team and other Northern Trust departments

· Accounting Team development: Enabling the development of partners by increasing their technical knowledge and skillsets to allow them to fully carry out their functions through coaching. This will include providing and enabling on the job training and ensuring that all procedures are kept up to date and are adhered to on a daily basis

· Organisation of the Accounting Team: Through discussion with the client and external parties (where required), establish concise timetables for all key deliverables.  Ensure that these are adhered to by the team and enable proactive communication throughout the process.  Identify system and process enhancements for discussion and following approval, co-ordinate the introduction of such enhancements.  Prioritise assignments, providing continuous feedback and escalating issues appropriately.

· Technical knowledge: Advising on potential accounting issues and current best practises as well as sharing knowledge, expertise and guidance with both the team and the client.  Understand complex transactions and be a point of contact for technical accounting matters for the PE accounting team.

· Pro forma Accounts: The ability to design pro forma accounts as required, ensuring they are in accordance with appropriate regulations/standards and agreed with clients/auditors

· Account preparation process: Oversee the preparation of the required financial reporting up to and including presentation to the Board of Directors (where required).  Review all aspects of client accounting function prepared by fund accountants and senior fund accounts. Ensure that the FRR and LRR calculations for Guernsey licensee entities are completed and that all statutory accounts are filed within the relevant deadlines. Where necessary, the candidate will also be required to prepare financial reporting.

· Outsourced jurisdictions: In addition to leading a team of accountants locally in Guernsey, the candidate will also be responsible for reviewing financial reporting for certain Guernsey funds where the preparation of the financial statements are outsourced to Northern Trust offices in other jurisdictions.

· Client reporting: Develop client specific knowledge to facilitate the delivery of ad-hoc queries.

· Other deliverables: Ensuring the completion of accurate complex fund valuations, distributions, calls / drawdowns, management fee and other calculations

· Internal reporting: Completion of NT internal reporting as required

Team Administration

· Monitoring mailboxes, completing tasks of a more complex nature, however supporting at all levels as required;

· Support other team members with workloads and rotate tasks on a regular basis.

Client Communications:

· Providing a premier client service by building strong relationships with the Investment Advisor (at all levels) and any other third parties;

· Work with the relationship manager on fee structures for any new business/service creep;

· Developing a thorough knowledge of your client and their bespoke requirements with regards to key processes;

· Providing solutioning for your client base drawing upon extensive experience and industry knowledge;

· Working closely with the client to resolve queries;

· Working with other teams/locations within NT to ensure delivery of client deliverables;

· To have a good understanding of fund administration business;

· To be fully briefed / familiar with the issues which are to be considered by the Board of client entities;

· Attendance and action of day to day communication and Ad hoc meetings;

· Presenting operational matters to the Board of Directors;

· May act as a client director on structures.

Departmental Tasks may include:

· Technical training across teams;

· Updates to procedural documents;

· Client new business pitch support;

· May assist with outsourcing oversight;

· Support other teams during peak activity;

· Monitor departmental KPIs, own the policing of policies for your team;

· May lead internal comms to support regulatory submissions;

· Assist with internal audit, SOC 1 and internal control reviews.

General

· Has an understanding of the anti-money laundering legislation, particularly with regard to Investor ‘KYC’ able to perform high risk investor reviews;

· Authorise instructions as an “A” signatory;

· Contribute to the management of the department as a whole and keep senior manager informed of significant developments;

· Work on ad-hoc internal projects and  fulfil additional, relevant, tasks appropriate to the role and business requirement;

· Has an understanding of Guernsey legislation as it effects entities under administration i.e. Guernsey Company Law,  POI, COB rules and understands Company Secretarial Procedures.

Skills/ Qualifications:

· The ideal candidate will hold an accounting qualification (ACA or ACCA preferred) and be familiar with both GAAP and IFRS

· Have an understanding of the Guernsey Company / POI / Partnership laws and possess an ability to keep up to date with all developments

· Excellent oral and written communication skills

· Confidence in communicating directly with clients and other senior stakeholders

· Proven people management credentials

· Strong leadership and change management attributes

· Good analytical and problem solving skills

· Ability to set priorities and manage deadlines

· Advanced Excel Skills and knowledge of Investran would be an advantage

· Good team player, self-starter, flexible, with the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We’d love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world’s most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater

Client Accounting Project Officer

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 enthusiastic client accountant who demonstrates our core values and wants to build a rewarding career delivering client service excellence. 

This role is a permanent contract, and will be responsible for assisting with the development and leading the implementation of changes to accounting related working practices, including the development and implementation of new standardised templates and the increased automation of bookkeeping and financial statement preparations.

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: 

· working with our dedicated transformation team on development of new bookkeeping and financial statement preparation working practices to promote business improvement and align with organisational goals 

· assisting with testing of proposed new templates and automated processes, including the collation and analysis of feedback 

· leading the implementation phase of new accounting-based policies and processes across the firm and ensure they are delivered on time and within scope, once testing is complete

· liaising directly with software and service providers to report and resolve issues and proposed enhancements 

· acting as liaison between the transformation team and the client accounting team, guide the teams through change of processes to aid their understanding of new systems and technologies to help foster adaptability, bridging the knowledge gap between accountants and technology specialists 

· providing regular updates on the progress of accounting projects to the Finance Director 

· assisting in drafting proposals and reports to the Board of Directors  

You

· very good technical knowledge and understanding to enable delivery of a range of activities within accounting

· familiarity and a basic understanding of SSRS reporting, Power BI reporting and automated workflow processes  

· successful attainment of ACA/ACCA qualification (or equivalent) along with meeting your CPD requirements

· effective communication skills and the ability to converse with a range of people along with the ability to produce documentation of a slight to moderately complex nature with high accuracy and attention to detail

· ability to identify and resolve slight to moderately complex issues, with support and direction 

· pro-active and self-sufficient to meet deadlines and objectives, with support and direction, as required

· ability to work to specified standards and service levels along with demonstrating a wider thought process around tasks, such as potential impact of actions and associated risk

· lead by example by evidencing a positive and committed approach

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.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We appreciate and respect diversity and actively seek opportunities to draw from a broad range of views and experience. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are part of our culture and represent an ongoing commitment to ensuring we deliver excellence for our people and that everyone belongs. We are united by our core values of excellence, integrity, enthusiasm, and collegiality, and our people are never just a number, we are a team - Saffery Trust is where Potential meets Personal.

Accountant – 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Would you like to join our team? We're looking for a qualified Accountant to join our growing team, managing the accounting and financial reporting requirements on a variety of entities. If you would like to join an ambitious and forward thinking firm whose inclusive culture and values recognise that its people are fundamental to its success, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

In this role you will:

· Prepare and review financial statements for companies in accordance with IFRS and FRS 102

· Provide information for and manage the audit process for clients

· Prepare the weekly, monthly, and quarterly management accounts

· Assist with ad-hoc financial reporting projects, budgets and forecasts

· Manage relationships with governing bodies such as HMRC

· Build and develop relationships with clients, including understanding their business practices and specific financial reporting information needs

· Manage the preparation, review and submission of VAT/CIS/NRL Returns and Corporation Tax Returns

Finance Systems Manager (Jersey/UK)

Purpose of the job 

The Finance Systems Manager will be responsible for managing, maintaining and enhancing the firm’s financial systems. The firm's practice management system is Aderant.  This role will play a critical part in ensuring that Finance systems operate effectively, support finance operations and improve user experience through system development, configuration and training. 

The role holder will lead system upgrade projects, working collaboratively with the IT department to implement technical fixes, and provide expert guidance to users, ensuring that the firm maximises the value of its finance systems.

An upgrade of the core Aderant system is scheduled for the beginning of 2026, transitioning the hosting of the system from on premises to the Aderant AWS cloud offering, Sierra. The Finance System Manager will be responsible for delivering this upgrade and for future roll outs of additional functionality and upgrades.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Systems Management & Support

· Act as the primary point of contact for all Aderant-related and finance system queries and issues

· Maintain system integrity, ensuring data accuracy, security and compliance with regulatory requirements

· Manage Aderant user security, access and administration and ensure sufficient system controls exist to comply with local regulations and AML requirements

· Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, liaising with IT and external vendors as required

· Engage with supplier client experience and online communities to identify best practice and issues facing users and suggested resolutions

· Monitor system performance, identifying and addressing inefficiencies

Upgrade & Implementation Projects

· Management of system upgrade processes and for assessing new Aderant product offerings, including the configuration and the resolution of post go-live issues

· Plan and execute Aderant upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations

· Test new system functionality, ensuring stability and compatibility before deployment

· Manage data migrations, integrations, and system rollouts as part of upgrade projects

· Work with stakeholders to define project requirements and ensure successful delivery

User Training & Support

· Develop and deliver training sessions for finance and non-finance users to improve system proficiency

· Create user guides, documentation, and best practice procedures for Aderant usage

· Provide ongoing support and guidance to users, ensuring they can effectively utilise system features

Reporting & Data Management

· Support finance teams with reporting and data extraction from Aderant

· Ensure financial data is structured and accessible for business intelligence and decision-making

· Assist with system-driven compliance reporting and audit requirements.

 Qualifications

· Accountancy or bookkeeping qualification or experience desired

· At least 5 years' experience in a similar role, ideally in a professional services firm

Knowledge/skills/experience

· Proven experience managing and supporting Aderant within a law firm or professional services environment

· Strong technical expertise in system configuration, upgrades, and troubleshooting

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail

· Ability to manage projects, work to deadlines, prioritise effectively and coordinate with multiple stakeholders

· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to train and support non-technical users

· Strong knowledge and experience with SQL, Excel and reporting tools (such as SSRS Report Builder and Power BI)

· Knowledge of legal finance operations and regulatory requirements

· Familiarity with system integrations and automation solutions

Competencies

We would like you to :

· Be responsible, disciplined, and have a methodical approach to tasks

· Demonstrate an exceptional eye for detail

· Have strong verbal and written communication skills

· Show initiative and common sense

· Have the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise and organise tasks

· An enthusiastic and flexible attitude and approach

In this role you will be expected to:

· Behave in a manner in keeping with our core culture and values.

· Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations including those around anti-money laundering and terrorist financing.

· Commit to fulfilling any personal CPD requirements and continually developing your skills and knowledge.

About Bedell Cristin

Since 1939, clients have come to us for straight-talking legal advice. Today you’ll find the same sound judgement and pragmatism across our offices in the BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey, London, and Singapore. Our smart, approachable teams design informed, and inventive legal solutions. The expertise you expect, offered with a refreshing simplicity and clarity. We also invest in mutually committed relationships with our clients as we believe strong foundations make for smoother roads. Over the years, we’ve learned the importance of these principles, while playing our part in defining the modern offshore legal industry. Our founder, George Bedell, helped establish Jersey’s progressive tax system. And the island’s first female advocate, Anita Regal, hailed from Bedell Cristin. We are proud of where we have come from - and we value what we have learned along the way.