Principal, Fund Accounting

Ares Operations•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Finance and Accounting team is seeking a senior level Controller for the Public Credit Funds. This Controller will be responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting operations, including managing financial reporting and tax, primarily for the semi-liquid closed-end U.S. Direct Lending funds. The Controller will also ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements, while implementing internal controls and financial procedures. This person will play a strategic role in advising on financial implications of business decisions and supporting the funds’ growth and expansion. Additionally, the Controller works closely with business stakeholders, including but not limited to board members and trustees, investment professionals, portfolio management team, investor relations, legal, compliance and operations as well as external auditors, third party service providers, tax preparers, investors and financial institutions. The Controller will help oversee, lead, and develop the Public Credit accounting team based primarily in Los Angeles, Mumbai and New York. The candidate must be a strategic thinker, resourceful, innovative, and committed. The candidate must focus on continuous improvement in collaboration, efficiency, and building scalable processes in a fast-paced, high growth environment. Supervises: Public Credit Accounting team members (around 20 in the U.S and 14 in India)

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with major in Accounting, Economics, Finance, General Business or Management preferred
15 + years of relevant professional experience
5 + years of public accounting experience (Big 4 preferred)
Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high growth environment
Ability to manage multiple third-party relationships
Proven track record in managing a team and change transformation
Strong verbal and written skills; ability to analyze and summarize complex information both verbally and in writing
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to multi-task and manage various deadlines
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Builds, leads, and mentors high performing, diverse teams.
Consistently seeks to develop key reports and implement frameworks, processes, and systems to create leverage.
Exhibits professional resolve in all aspects of work.
Experience in establishing new processes with fund administrators and service providers

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting considered a plus
CPA preferred
Experience supporting regulated funds, including registered investment companies, business development companies, or other ’40 Act vehicles is a plus.
Experience with RICs a plus
Industry experience, specifically with credit related investments
Experience with Advent Geneva, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central AND Onestream software a plus

Responsibilities

Review U.S. GAAP financial statements for various public entities, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, Registration Statements, N-CSR, and N-CEN, for the semi-liquid closed-end Direct Lending funds.
Lead the preparation of quarterly financial statement disclosures, including footnotes, Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A), and supporting analyses, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with SEC reporting requirements.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the funds and their relevant subsidiaries, ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of financial reporting and regulatory filings.
Oversee all accounting operations, financial reporting, fund administration oversight, tax coordination and regulatory compliance activities.
Prepare and present materials for various regulated funds’ board of directors and board of trustees
Assist with preparation and review of fund financial models that help drive strategic decisions from senior leadership
Partner closely with investment professionals and portfolio management teams and senior leadership to provide strategic financial and operational insights that support decision-making for the funds, investment transactions, and portfolio management activities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders, facilitating alignment across functions and driving successful outcomes throughout the investment lifecycle
Oversee and enhance the firm's control framework, ensuring effective processes and controls are in place to support financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
Collaborate cross-functionally with investment, portfolio management, legal, tax, operations, and finance teams to ensure efficient transaction execution, effective risk management, and seamless post-close integration.
Support investor and fund due diligence processes by coordinating information requests, preparing materials, and ensuring timely, accurate responses to stakeholders.
Manage relationships with broker-dealers and distribution partners, coordinating investor subscription, tender, and redemption processes while ensuring operational efficiency and a high-quality investor experience
Demonstrates innovation and strategic thinking in driving business priorities, optimizing processes and leading organizational change
Provides oversight and direction on large-scale and complex transformational projects