Client Accountant

It’s never been a more exciting time to join Vistra.

At Vistra our purpose is progress. We believe that our clients have the power to change the world and to do great things for global progress, and we exist to remove the friction that comes from the complexity of global business - to help our clients achieve progress without friction.

But progress only happens when people come together and take action. And we’re absolutely committed to building a culture where our people can do just that.

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as Client Accountant. Reporting to the Head of Client Accounting, this full-time and permanent position is based in Jersey, allowing you to make a significant impact to our Private Wealth team and its’ growth.

Key responsibilities:

Client Service / Relationships

• Ensure accurate completion/checking of bookkeeping entries as required for a portfolio of client entities.
• Manage a small portfolio of clients for production of annual accounts to review stage with full working papers and supporting documentation.
• Preparation of accounting schedules in agreed format, and ad hoc accounting schedules as required from time to time.
• Complete all required balance sheet reconciliations as required including bank reconciliations, asset valuations and intercompany reconciliations and checks.
• Preparation of monthly / quarterly / half yearly cash statements where required.
• Ensuring the correct treatment of VAT or other sales taxes in clients ledgers where required.
• Ensure accuracy of information supplied and that it is prepared within deadlines.
• Take responsibility for priority management of workload working on cases with highest priorities first.
• Liaise with staff across the business to obtain or provide information.
• Take responsibility for time management on clients to ensure budgets are adhered to as set by file handlers, and to flags issues with work or time deadlines where there are potential overruns.
• Ensure accounts workflow tracker is always fully up to date and attention detail is paid at all times to ensure the information is accurately entered and maintained.
• Take responsibility where necessary to cover other team members’ responsibilities in times of absence.
• Maximise use and effectiveness of around the banking interface system
• Undertake periodic project work, including but not limited to ensuring Viewpoint, team workflow tracker, data remediation and other tools are accurate on a timely basis.

Systems and processes

• Ensure all work is performed to Vistra’s formal and ad hoc processes and procedures as they evolve.
• Take responsibility for continual improvement to systems and processes, working collaboratively at all times to contribute to effective improvements.

Risk Management/Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local and international legislation at all times
• Effective liaison with the Compliance and Company Secretarial teams
• Demonstrate consistent competence with local AML/CFT legislation and regulations applying the required levels of consideration at all times.
• Report complaints, operational risks, suspicions etc. in accordance with internal procedures
• Develop an awareness and ability to avert potential risk issues and bring them to the attention of the Team Manager / Operations Director.

Financial/Office Administration

• Complete timesheets accurately and promptly.
• Effective liaison with the finance and other support teams in regard to billing for accounting services.

People Management

• Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team and promote good working relationships throughout the office.
• Participate in team meetings.

Vistra Group Values

• Uphold Vistra Group values by promoting a culture of professionalism and teamwork.
• Have a good understanding of Vistra Group’s vision and direction.

Personal Development

• Attend training seminars and workshops to enhance professional and technical knowledge, both internal and external.
• Maintain evidence of continuing professional development in line with JFSC and where applicable professional body requirements

Attributes / Technical Skills:

• Sound practical understanding of and ability to apply the key principles of current applicable GAAP and Financial Reporting Standards (specifically FRS102) relating to work assigned.
• Thorough understanding of double entry book-keeping
• Ability to prepare accounts through to full Financial Statements.
• Excellent working knowledge of Viewpoint or similar trust accounting package and Microsoft Excel. Good level of competence in other standard office applications.
• Effective time management skills.
• On-going professional development including studying towards an accounting qualification, or ongoing required CPD if a qualification is already held.
• Must have a flexible approach to applications of skills.
• Be self-motivating, work accurately at speed.
• Positive attitude and reliable approach towards work are essential.

Relevant Experience:

• Previous experience in Trust and Company bookkeeping and accounts production.
• Experience in understanding and interpreting asset valuations and supporting documents particularly in regard to investment portfolios, properties, multi structure entities and foreign currency issues.