Finance Manager, Funds Management

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 FM 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 Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO); the FM Chief Executive; the FM CFO; Group Boards and Investor Relations.

The FM Finance team also plays a critical role as the accountant for the Affiliate fund management companies and is a key part of their business management on all 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.

• Management of Budgets and forecasting - preparation of annual budgets for internal affiliate entities.
• Finance owner of the entire rebate process including managing the rebate calculation system etc.
• Management of Tax compliance for FM entities, including Monthly/Quarterly BAS returns, Annual Tax returns, Annual FBT returns, Monthly Payroll Tax and liaising with internal tax teams and external tax agents.

• Proactively ensure Responsible Entity (RE) and Management companies comply with all regulatory requirements, including AFSL requirements, RG166 requirements, cash flow and balance sheet management.

• Manage half year and year end reporting processes for the FM entities, including project managing timetables and control deliverables; delivery of reporting pack to Group and annual statutory account preparation and quality review.

• Board meetings and approvals, including presentation of statutory accounts to the Board; preparation and agreement of Dividend papers in line with dividend policy and regular presentation of financial results.

• Integration of FM entities into the FM stable.

• Lead process improvements focusing on productivity efficiencies.

• Maintain strong relationships and communication with: Affiliate Board members and Principles; Responsible Entity Board Members; Manager Board Members; Auditors and Internal and External Tax etc.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong Funds Management product knowledge.
• Strong knowledge of accounting for tax.
• 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.
• Experience in identifying, assessing, evaluating, and managing risks within a finance team.  

Experience required:

• Funds management industry experience.
• People Leadership experience.
• Minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience.  

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

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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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