Fund Accounting - Assistant Controller

About Davidson Kempner 

Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP is a global investment management firm. Founded in 1983, Davidson Kempner is headquartered in New York and has offices in Philadelphia, London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Mumbai. Our Firm invests globally and opportunistically across the capital structure, in a variety of credit and equity strategies as well as real assets. We apply our multi-dimensional, research-driven investment process to evaluate and execute a diverse range of transactions across asset classes, geographies and market cycles. We target complex, global situations where our experience and expertise can unlock value.

We bring together exceptional people from different disciplines and backgrounds who are energized by the challenges of navigating complexity. We look for people who demonstrate exceptional critical thinking skills, innate curiosity, creativity and embrace diverse viewpoints to calibrate their decisions. These differentiators make our people successful beyond a specific job at Davidson Kempner – but throughout their journey with us over many years.

The Team

The Fund Accounting team plays a central role to the finance function as part of the larger back office at Davidson Kempner. Composed of a team of experienced professionals in New York and Dublin, the Fund Accounting team is tasked with delivering accuracy and completeness in the following core areas: Monthly NAV calculation for the Firm’s investment products, audited financial statements for funds and various SPVs, periodic and ad-hoc investor and management reporting, various regulatory filings for domestic and foreign jurisdictions, and assist with structuring and processing complex investment transactions. In furtherance of the group’s business objectives, all members of the team coordinate with other internal departments as well as various external service providers.

Davidson Kempner’s Fund Accounting department is built on a team-based culture that is committed to excellence in our work product and places the utmost importance on operating in an ethical and compliant manner. Our culture respects and values the thoughts, perspectives and opinions of all team members.

The Role

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Mentor and guide a high performing group of fund accountants/consultants to enhance their performance and foster a rewarding work experience
• Build strong relationships and foster an inclusive environment where the team is engaged, can openly share opinions and ideas, and can debate respectively
• Work with process owners to implement process change and enhance internal controls and efficiency by evaluating process regularly
• Assist with launches of new products, including waterfall scenario analysis, ad hoc requests, and fund modeling
• Review month-end NAV packages and support for hedge funds and private equity funds and reconcile with administrator
• Review capital calls/distributions/waterfall allocations and reconcile with administrator
• Review funding and distribution flows for complex SPV structures
• Review quarterly financial reporting to investors and assist in capital calls/distributions
• Review annual financial statements and coordinate with external auditors
• Review regulatory reporting including Form PF, AIFMD and TIC filings

The Person

We are looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting with strong academic history
• 5-7 years of relevant accounting experience with a mix of public / private
• CPA required
• Private Equity fund/Hedge fund exposure required. Private Equity preferred.
• Strong knowledge of carry/waterfall mechanics
• Very strong Excel skills, Alteryx experience is a plus
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and adapt to process changes
• Proven analytical skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Team player and future leader

Candidate Profile 

The new hire will: 

• Deliver consistent, accurate, organized and client-ready work, and juggle multiple projects effectively
• Show strong analytical reasoning and curiosity; be thoughtful in consistently generating ideas and making improvements; have a solution mindset when faced with problems
• Demonstrate an understanding of client / stakeholder needs and deliver appropriate solutions that align with the department's priorities
• Be an effective, organized and clear communicator in both written and verbal format; present information simply, including complex and technical content
• Ask for and offer honest and constructive feedback, demonstrate an openness to feedback, and willingness to learn and look for the opportunity to further develop
• Hold self and others accountable to the Firm’s Business Principles and Core Values; understand and follow regulatory / risk policies and requirements related to role; protect confidential information; know when to escalate