Regional Head of Operations - Real Assets ME Apex

Apex Group has created a regionalised operational organisation structure, divided into sub-product segments, that enables Apex to sustain service delivery levels of the highest standards and maximize productivity and efficiencies.

In this position you will be responsible for the end-to-end operational performance of the closed-ended funds business in the different countries within the Middle East region, reporting to the Regional head of Fund Solutions MEAIM.

You should have extensive experience in the administration of close-ended funds. You should have a proven track record of demonstrating your knowledge of fund accounting and a proven track record in leading multi-jurisdictional operational platforms.. The role requires a strong combination of operational leadership, client delivery excellence, commercial awareness and transformation capability.

Technical Tasks:

• Oversee and lead the end-to-end delivery of the fund accounting service for close-ended funds, ensuring accuracy and compliance with fund governing documents and regulatory guidance.
• Provide leadership on complex client and operational matters requiring senior judgment.
• Ensure full adherence to the prevailing control environment.
• Be a leading participant in the continuous development of our operating processes and procedures.
• Be an escalation point for technical queries from all stakeholders in your region.
• Oversee the timely completion of all audits.
• Ensure local teams adherence to regulatory compliance and underlying reporting.

Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Translate strategy into an operational plan for delivery of service and provide guidance to ensure consistent organisational leadership and day-to-day business running.
• Ensure effective implementation of the operating model with ownership for both onshore and offshore components, work closely with other regional functional leads across operations and wider CRM and Product teams.
• Implement agreed best practices while striving for continuous improvement.
• Develop and foster client relationships and ensure we exceed their expectations and are their provider of choice.

• Team collaboration across multiple jurisdictions globally including global operations centres and ensure that client deliverables are being met.
• Monitoring of actual versus target hours per fund/client and action as required. Ensure there is a continuous drive to improve our efficiency.
• Contribute to the achievement of regional financial and operational performance targets.
• Ensure effective & timely resolutions to any errors identified.
• KPI s to be consistently above the specified target for each team in your region (accuracy, timeliness, and delivery)
• Team capacity planning and full awareness of incoming pipeline, including ownership of hire requests.
• People management with a focus on development, motivation, and succession planning/talent management.
• Identify training needs within your teams in the region and interact with our training department.
• Manage employee performance and salary review process.
• Partner with the relevant Country Head, HR lead and senior leadership team to implement effective strategies for employee engagement and retention.
• Ensure adherence to all internal and external audit standards.
• Ensure stakeholder awareness, engagement, and support through effective and timely communication.
• Actively support Groups strategy, plans, and values, contributing to the achievement of a high-performance culture.
• Demonstrate visible leadership and promote collaboration and accountability across the multi-jurisdictional teams.
• Develop, maintain and role model a culture that is open to change and innovation, and supports collaboration, respect, and accountability.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends.

Skills Required:

• Bachelor or Master level degree.
• Strong accountancy knowledge, a professional designation such as CA, CPAA, or ACCA etc., would be an asset.
• Solid experience working with private markets / closed-ended fund structures across multiple jurisdictions.
• Extensive practical experience, 15+ years of fund accounting work experience.
• Experience managing a large team / managing regional or multi-location teams.
• Extensive experience working with external clients and an ability to inspire confidence.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English (both verbal and written).
• Motivated, bright, and diligent individual who is driven to meet deadlines & targets.
• Attention to detail and ability to work on multiple projects.
• A team player who is genuinely motivated by improving our service and teams.
• An ability to think critically and objectively while having strong organizational and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to resolve complex issues in a timely manner.
• Advanced level MS Excel, proficient with MS Word, MS PowerPoint.
• A detailed understanding of the various fund types covered by this role (Private Equity, Real Estate, Credit & Venture Capital).