Associate, Finance Officer, Accounts Payable
Barings · Sydney
At Barings, we are as invested in our associates as we are in our clients. We recognize those who work diligently for us and reward them for personal and professional integrity, communication skills, distinct competencies and expertise in specific strategies, ability to collaborate as a team member and true dedication to the interests of our clients.
We thank you for your interest in joining the Barings team, and invite you to explore our current employment opportunities.
Title: Associate, Finance Officer, Accounts Payable
Business Unit: Global Portfolio Services
Location: Sydney, Australia
Barings is a leading global financial services firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients and customers. Through active asset management and direct origination, we provide innovative solutions and access to differentiated opportunities across public and private capital markets. A subsidiary of MassMutual, Barings maintains a strong global presence with business and investment professionals located across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Job Summary
Barings is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Finance Officer to join the Barings Real Estate Australia (BREA) Finance team. The role will have primary responsibility for accounts payable across approximately 70–80 fund entities, while also providing support across accounts receivable, cash management, banking and broader finance activities.
This is a broad finance role offering exposure to real estate funds management and a range of key internal and external stakeholders. In addition to day-to-day transaction processing, the role will support bank reconciliations, journal processing, month-end activities, cash flow forecasting and financial reporting processes. The role would suit someone with strong accounts payable or transactional finance experience, who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, has excellent attention to detail and is interested in developing broader finance and accounting experience.
Primary Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process across approximately 70–80 fund entities, ensuring invoices are appropriately coded, approved and processed accurately and within required deadlines.
- Prepare and process fund and supplier payments, including invoices, distributions, BAS and interest payments.
- Prepare fund transfers and process accounts receivable transactions and general ledger journals.
- Maintain strong financial controls across invoice processing and payments, including appropriate approvals, supporting documentation and adherence to delegated authorities.
- Manage the accounts inbox, respond to supplier and internal queries and resolve payment and invoice-related issues.
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of billing, tax invoices and other financial information.
- Perform bank and account reconciliations, journal processing and support month-end activities.
- Raise and process sundry invoices, manage outstanding debtors and review aged debtor reports.
- Liaise with custodians and banking partners regarding payment instructions, bank account administration and other banking requirements.
- Monitor cash balances and prepare cash balance reports to support cash flow forecasting and funding requirements.
- Assist with cost analysis and accounts payable reporting as required.
- Work closely with Fund Accountants and other members of the Finance team to ensure accurate and timely processing and reporting.
- Identify opportunities to improve and streamline accounts payable and broader finance processes, controls and procedures.
- Maintain finance policies and procedure documentation and ensure compliance with Barings’ policies and internal controls.
- Liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders across the business.
- Support Ad-hoc finance projects and requests as required.
Qualifications
- Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Business, Commerce or a related discipline preferred.
- at least 3 years of experience in accounts payable, transactional finance or a broader finance/accounting role.
- Experience within funds management, property, financial services or a similar environment is desirable but not essential.
- Experience using large ERP/accounting systems and invoice or workflow management systems; experience with MRI, Procore or similar systems desirable.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage transaction volumes and competing deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to liaise confidently with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proactive approach to problem solving and process improvement.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a broader finance team.
Requisite Skills
Additional Skills
Barings is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; Minority/Female/Age/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply.