Lead Financial Reporting Analyst

At Franklin Templeton, everything we do is focused on one thing – delivering better client outcomes. We do that by partnering closely with our clients, assessing their strategic needs, and identifying the solution or solutions that can meet the challenge. Over 9,500 employees working in 34 countries around the world are dedicated to servicing investment solutions for our clients in more than 160 countries. For more than 70 years our success has been a direct result of the talent, skills and persistence of our people, and we are looking for qualified candidates to join our team.
Due to the recent expansion globally and here in Australia we are looking for a Lead Financial Reporting Analyst to join the Global Fund Administration and Reporting team reporting to the Manager.
This role is based in Melbourne and is charged with enhanced service delivery to the clients of Franklin Templeton Australia Limited. This is achieved through the oversight and supervision of functional requirements and work assignments that reflect a significant level of technical competence, substantial experience and understanding of Franklin Templeton products and the SIM’s products. Knowledge of the Australian regulatory and taxation environment is a requirement. The successful candidate should have experience in the function undertaken and the tasks completed will be completed efficiently, with the ability to work proactively and with a high degree of autonomy. The incumbent will demonstrate a strong capacity to engage with business stakeholders both internal and external to Franklin Templeton through efficient work practices. A large part of the role will be oversight and management of outsourced service providers and building strong relationships therewith.
What are the ongoing responsibilities of this position?
Management and enhancement of fund administration tasks to ensure successful outcomes are delivered on all aspects of the Australian products
Management and relationship building with Specialised Investment Managers (SIMs) to ensure they receive quality service
Ensure proper oversight of service providers (e.g. registry, custody, administration, audit and tax)
Develop and monitor timetables to cover major reporting functions e.g. distributions, quarter-end and year-end reporting, tax reporting, fund launches and ad hoc events
Identify and escalate product/process issues and lead the team to resolve or improve processes going forward
Work closely with team members in other locations
Work globally to standardise internal and external reporting, such as board materials, expenses, yields, regulatory reporting and any other reporting we provide to our clients, as applicable per jurisdiction
Ensure all Fund administration reporting meets internal and external stakeholder deadlines
Ensure timely completion of all financial audit requirements
Provide support and work effectively with other departments for on-boarding new products and other projects
What qualifications, skills and experience would help someone to be successful?
University Degree in Accountancy or a related discipline
CA or CPA qualification or equivalent
At least 5 years post qualification experience in investment management operations, custodian bank, fund administration and/or fund audit
Experience with automated financial and investment management and operations systems
Thorough knowledge of the investment management industry and securities markets in Australia and Asia, including stock exchange and depository regulations and practices
Experience with ETF's, specifically familiarity with reporting, including both statutory and stock exchange requirements
Experience with Alternative investments, administration and reporting would be an advantage
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to engage and foster positive business relationship through efficient delivery of outcomes and empathetic appreciation of clients’ needs
Ability to manage tasks in multiple functions in a functional and geographical matrix organisation
Ability to work independently and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment
Ability to organise and prioritise workflow effectively
Takes initiative and demonstrates ability to follow through with results
Displays excellent client service and customer focus
Ability to analyse complex problems and propose feasible options for resolution
Ability to identify issues and appropriately escalate matters for senior management attention in a timely manner
Ability to communicate progress and escalate issues/requirement or matters for senior management
Knowledge of business desktop applications (i.e.: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access & Windows, etc.) required
This is a full time, permanent role with the requirement to work in office at least 3 times a week
The successful candidate will need to be flexible at certain peak times during the year to ensure all deliverables are met
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What makes Franklin Templeton unique?
In addition to the dynamic and professional environment at Franklin Templeton, we strive to ensure that our employees have access to a competitive and valuable set of —the mix of both monetary and non-monetary rewards provided to you in recognition for your time, talents, efforts, and results.
We believe that being a good corporate citizen is good business. To us, corporate citizenship means being accountable, serving our clients, being an employer of choice, managing our environmental impact, and supporting our communities. An emphasis on corporate citizenship is embedded in our culture and values, and is an important element of how we achieve success.
We are also committed to your learning and development with resources focused around Experience, Exposure, and Education, to help you achieve your professional development goals.