Senior Fund Accountant - 18 month fixed term contract

The UK Fund Services Department is responsible for financial accounting, tax computations and regulatory reporting for our UK open-ended investment funds. The department is also responsible for transfer agency service for the UK open-ended investment funds, which incorporates dealing in the funds and maintenance of the share register. The department is also responsible for the legal and regulatory obligations of Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd as the authorised corporate director and alternative investment fund manager for the UK open-ended investment funds.Purpose of Role To be a senior member of the UK Fund Services Department responsible for reviewing the in-house pricing, accounting and financial statements for Baillie Gifford's UK fund range. The role will cover a wide range of tasks and Senior Fund Accountants are expected to problem solve and answer queries from a wide range of teams across the business. There is also the expectation that Senior Fund Accountants will be involved in continuous process improvement and lead or provide SME input into a range of projects.Responsibilities Team Management

• Assist Fund Accounting Manager to allocate responsibilities and resources clearly and appropriately
• Assist Fund Accounting Manager to oversee staff development and training
• Ensure an effective service is delivered to both internal and external stakeholders
Operational Excellence
• Prepare and review semi-annual and year-end financial statements in accordance with accounting standards, liaising with auditors and administrators to ensure queries are resolved and deadlines met
• Prepare and review financial information in relation to fund documentation updates
• Prepare, review and submit regulatory/statutory filings ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements
• Prepare and review funds' distribution/dividend calculations, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulatory/tax requirements
• Prepare and review Corporation Tax and VAT returns
• Oversight of the daily net asset value pricing process, including sign off of tasks performed by departments
• Prepare and review budgets, income forecasts and other financial information as required
• Preparation and review of board materials and internal committee reports
Problem-Solving and Communication
• Provide ad hoc assistance within the department and wider business as required, leading and contributing to cross-departmental projects
• Address day-to day team issues and queries promptly
Professional Development
• Maintain awareness of industry developments and changes to the regulatory and taxation regimes under which the funds operate, and update colleagues as appropriate.
  Qualified accountant with relevant post-qualified experience
• Detailed knowledge of fund accounting rules and regulations including the IA SORP and FCA COLL regulations
• Experience of reviewing work of others, answering questions and sharing knowledge and experience
• Ability to prioritise work and meet competing deadlines
• Experience of delivering projects in a leadership or SME role, Qualified Accountant (ICAS, ACCA or equivalent)
• IOC Certificate (required or obtained within 6 months)
The Type of Candidate that we're looking for We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant experience in UK Funds. This is a senior role within the department, and a successful candidate would be a source of knowledge and expertise on UK funds for a wide range of teams throughout Baillie Gifford. Problem solving and analytical skills will be key to success in the role. Although there is no direct management responsibility the Senior Fund Accountants are expected to take the lead in developing the Fund Accountants and Fund Operations Administrators. In addition, a successful candidate would be able to lead or, provide significant SME input, into large cross department projects including the ability to explain complex issues to those less familiar with the requirements of UK funds. A successful candidate would be self-motivated to identify and make improvements to processes and to provide coaching to others. Critical Skills
• Adaptability
• Data Literacy
• Improve Mindset
• Team Working
  At Baillie Gifford, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful culture in which each of our colleagues can thrive and develop. We believe that our clients are best served by a diverse workforce with the experiences, ideas and perspectives that this brings.