Senior Fund Accountant

About F&W Forestry

F&W Forestry is an international forestry consulting firm founded in Albany, GA, in 1962. We serve a diverse range of clients across the United States, the United Kingdom, and South America. In addition to forest operations management, F&W is recognized as a leader in providing back-office support services for mid- to large-sized timberland owners and investors. F&W’s Financial Reporting Group (FRG) offers various client support services, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial and management reporting, audit assistance, and periodic property valuation support.

Ideal Candidate

F&W Forestry is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Fund Accountant to join our Financial Reporting Group in Albany, Georgia. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of fund accounting principles, particularly in the context of timberlands or natural resource-based investments. You will work closely with a team of accounting professionals and communicate regularly with peers, clients, auditors, and vendors. Strong problem-solving skills and well-developed project management abilities are essential to support multiple client accounts. This position is primarily onsite; however, the company will consider remote candidates with experience in fund administration and/or timberland accounting. If hired as a remote candidate, you will be required to travel to Albany, GA, during training and travel up to 10% of the time to Albany and/or client sites. The company seeks candidates with experience in the forestry industry, fund administration, and/or a CPA certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, investors, third-party auditors, and tax professionals, ensuring timely responses to inquiries and addressing issues promptly.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, providing proactive updates and transparent financial reporting.
• Lead, train, mentor, and oversee accounting staff (including staff accountants and clerks) assigned to client accounts.
• Ensure quality work, adherence to deadlines, and foster a collaborative team environment.
• Prepare, review, and deliver investor reports on time, including financial statements, capital partner statements, waterfall reports, investor performance reports, capital call notices, distribution notices, and other requested deliverables.
• Create accurate financial reports, investor presentations, and management reports that summarize fund performance, key financial metrics, and other relevant data, ensuring clarity and precision in written communication tailored to different stakeholders.
• Review and accurately calculate complex management fees, incentive fees, capital calls, and allocations according to investor management agreements while ensuring proper documentation and transparency.
• Oversee the production of periodic financial statements and accompanying footnotes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards (US GAAP or IFRS) and that reports meet investor expectations. Review workpapers for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist in preparing client budgets, financial forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations, internal controls, and legal requirements. Proactively identify and address risks within fund accounting processes, implementing strategies to mitigate them.
• Meet regularly with accounting staff to discuss project status, resolve outstanding items, and communicate project and reporting deadlines to both internal and external stakeholders. Ensure the timely and accurate completion of all deliverables.
• Evaluate and implement technical accounting matters, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and industry regulations. Continuously assess, develop, and improve accounting controls, systems, and procedures to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Create and maintain business process maps for all accounting services to ensure workflows and responsibilities are well-documented, standardized, and scalable.
• Recommend, test, and implement technological improvements or automation initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and functionality of accounting systems and processes.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and recommending candidates for accounting positions. Coordinate training for new employees and identify ongoing training needs for current staff.

Required Qualifications 

•  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or business-related field (required)
• 5+ years of experience in fund accounting or financial management, ideally in real estate, timberlands, or natural resources.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS accounting standards
• Leadership experience and excellent communication skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders, including investors and clients.
• A strong work ethic and willingness to work non-traditional (and sometimes extended) hours as required by the firm’s global business presence across time zones.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and adhere to business policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple clients/projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail, with the capacity to spot discrepancies or errors in complex financial documents.
• Ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently, especially under tight deadlines.
• Advanced analytical skills; must be able to analyze and solve complex accounting issues while exercising sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with timberland accounting, fund administration, real estate, or natural resources (agriculture, etc.).
• Experience with financial modeling, fee calculations, and allocations (e.g., carried interest, waterfall structures, performance fees).
• Understanding of fund structures, including limited partnerships, carried interest, and distribution waterfalls.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience with MS Dynamics SL, Excel- power query and/or Prospero.

Travel

• Occasional travel to client sites will be required.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and education
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan