Our client is a FTSE 250 UK Investment Trust investing in income generating infrastructure debt across multiple jurisdictions. Established in 2015, the fund operates a fully outsourced business model where services are provided by a number of independent third parties.
These include the Investment Adviser, AIFM, CoSec/Fund Administrator, Depository/Custodian, Independent Valuer, External Auditor and others. The Head of Finance & Risk is a newly created position, in addition and complimentary to the services provided by third parties.
Key responsibilities:
* Review and interpret information from multiple sources to optimise decision making.
* Improve the quality and presentation of financial information in its Annual and Interim Financial Statements, monthly NAV and other announcements to the market.
* Improve the quality of management accounts and the annual budget
* Comply with Corporate Governance changes, in particular changes to Provision 34 applicable for the period starting 1 April 2026.
* Monitor and review the Company’s risk management and internal control framework and review its effectiveness. This covers all material controls including financial, operational, reporting and compliance controls taking account of the outsourced model and reliance on the controls of service providers.
* Exercise oversight of outsourced service providers, to benchmark cost and evaluate performance. Ensure that agreements are kept up to date and there are no gaps in service provision.
* Review and improve documentation of processes and controls including payments.
* Exercise Board operated controls over key areas such as taxation, asset valuations and the preparation of the Annual and Interim Reports.
* Review the Risk Register and keep it up to date. In particular, identifying and assessing emerging risks and building resilience.
* Exercise oversight of the Company’s subsidiaries, in particular its Luxembourg subsidiary.
* Review monthly reports received from the independent valuer. This would not cut across the current process whereby the AIFM is responsible for valuations prepared by the Adviser.
* Carry out ad-hoc projects relating to capital markets, strategy and governance activities.
Key skills and experience:
* Financial strategy and reporting-delivering board-level financial information, forecasts and performance analysis to guide strategic decisions.
* Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
* Audit and compliance – will have led year end audits ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements.
* Familiarity with investments asset management and outsourced fund model.
* Understanding of high yield debt and or other illiquid alternative assets.
* Development of risk management and assurance frameworks.
* Experience of working in a regulated environment in the UK, Channel Islands or EEA.