Finance Manager

Challenger Limited is an ASX-listed investment management firm managing $105 billion in assets (as at 30 June 2023). Life with us is fast moving and always exciting. Together we’re driving to deliver our vision to provide our customers with financial security for a better retirement.

We achieve this goal by providing a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds, with a range of skills and experiences can contribute and succeed.

Funds Management (FM) Finance is seeking a Finance Manager to take responsibility within the Funds Management corporate and affiliate financial control function. The role has two direct reports and a broad remit including providing advice, support and implementation for FM initiatives including establishment of new affiliates, distribution partnership and acquisitions.

In addition, the Finance Manager will be responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement and making sure key technology systems are used in an optimal way. People leadership and coaching are key elements of the role as the role has two direct reports. The successful candidate will have an interest in the funds management industry and be a genuine team player.

The Funds Management business comprises Fidante and Challenger Investment Management (CIM). The Fidante business model involves taking minority equity interests in separately branded boutique fund management firms, with Challenger providing distribution, administration and business support, leaving investment managers to focus on managing investment portfolios.

The Funds Management division also provides investment management services for other direct clients; and act’s as the Responsible Entity for a suite of funds managed by the above fund manager companies and more.

Funds Management is a global business with operations spanning Australia, UK, Stockholm, and Japan.  

This role will be responsible for the financial aspects of the entities that provide the above services and some of those that we have equity investments in.

The Team:

• The Funds Management Finance Team plays a critical role in the timely delivery of results and analysis as well as the 3 year business plan and reforecasts to key senior stakeholders at Challenger including: the CEO, the CFO; the Funds Management Chief Executive; the Funds Management CFO; Group Boards and Investor Relations.
• The Funds Management Finance team also plays a critical role as the accountant for Affiliate Fund Manager companies and are a key part of their business management on finance matters.
• The team requires a dynamic, hard-working, flexible, lateral-thinking individual with an eye for detail and a strong emphasis on continuous improvements. The team members take ownership and are accountable for their deliverables and support and leverage their fellow team members. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Management of the Financial accounting for FM entities ensuring:
  • Account maintenance, including processing journals, preparing and issuing invoices, preparing supporting calculations where required and accurate recording of transactions.
  • Monthly reporting of results and analytical review.
  • Preparation and/or review of monthly balance sheet reconciliations and clearing reconciling differences.
  • Delivery of timely, complete and accurate monthly financial results
  • Control over weekly cash flow reporting
  • Seamless interaction with FM Business Performance team
  • Implementation of new accounting standards
  • Research and accounting papers in respect to accounting issues

• Management of Budgets and forecasting
  • Preparation of annual budgets for internal affiliate entities,
  • maintaining the models for the assumptions and updating these into Anaplan.
  • Review of actual information in Anaplan (forecasting system) and;
  • updating forecasts for changes and/or new assumptions.
  • Working with FMBP on aspects of the 3 year plan for Fidante.

• Finance owner of the entire rebate process including:
  • Managing the rebate calculation system
  • Review of calculation of rebate back payments when required
  • Review of monthly and quarterly rebates
  • Manage and review rebate payments and accruals to ensure compliance with all client agreements and accurate monthly reporting

• Management of Tax compliance for FM entities, including:
  • Monthly/Quarterly BAS returns
  •  Annual Tax returns
  • Annual FBT returns
  • Monthly Payroll Tax
  • Liasing with internal tax teams and external tax agents

• Reporting
  • Proactively ensure Responsible Entity (RE) and Management companies comply with all regulatory requirements, including AFSL requirements, RG166 requirements, cash flow and balance sheet management.
  • Monthly Reporting of results and analytical review
  • Monthly reporting to Group

• Manage half year and year end reporting processes for the FM entities, including:
  • Project manage timetables and control deliverables
  • Delivery of reporting pack to Group
  • Annual statutory account preparation and quality review
  • Manage audit process including proactive management of issues and audit deliverables
  • Liasing with the auditors

• Board meetings and approvals, including:
  • Manage board papers to approve statutory accounts;
  • Presentation of statutory accounts to the Board;
  • Preparation and agreement of Dividend papers in line with dividend policy;
  • Presentation of AFSL compliance papers;
  • Regular presentation of financial results.

• Integration of FM entities into the FM stable, including:
  • Lead the finance integration workstream
  • Managing the systems set up
  • Managing the tax set up

• Lead process improvements focusing on productivity efficiencies, including:
  • Manage system implementations;
  • Improvements to existing processes or system;
  • Training and coaching staff;
  • Identify opportunities to build streamlined finance processes;
  • Drive and empower the team to create efficiencies.

• Maintain strong relationships and communication with:
  • Affiliate Board members and Principles
  • Responsible Entity Board Members
  • Manager Board Members
  • Auditors
  • Internal and External Tax
  • Legal
  • Company Secretary
  • Distribution Team
  • Fund Administration Team
  • Customer Team
  • Strategy Team

• Other
  • Adhoc projects
  • Taking the lead on any technical accounting aspects applicable to the relevant entities they are responsible for.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong funds management product knowledge
• Strong knowledge of accounting for tax (Essential)
• Analytical and problem solving skills (Essential)
• Technology and systems
• Communication skills (Essential)
• Time management skills (Essential)
• As applicable to the role, a working knowledge of the corporate regulatory environment, governance principles, corporate accountability and conduct frameworks and the process for managing risk. (Essential)
• Experience in identifying, assessing, evaluating, and managing risks within a finance team (Essential)

Experience required:

• Funds management industry experience
• People Leadership experience
• Minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience (Essential)

Certifications / Qualifications required:

• Relevant tertiary degree in Finance, Accounting or Business. (Essential)
• Postgraduate qualification – CA, CPA, CFA or Masters. (Essential)

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We value inclusion and diversity of thought, promote flexible working practices so our people can integrate their work and personal lives, and are proud to be a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

We believe in bringing your authentic self and a belonging in our culture. We are prideful in participating in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) as a national benchmark on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and best practice in Australia. We offer the opportunity for a broad career experience and value people who are inquisitive and rigorous and are driven to make a difference.

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