Financial Controller

Senior Financial Controller

Location: Madrid or Valencia, hybrid scheme

The company:

Our client is one of the world's leading asset managers, offering deep expertise across a broad range of asset classes including fixed income, equities, and alternatives. The firm combines independently driven investment strategies with the robust insights, risk management, analytics, and infrastructure of a world-class platform. As a global asset manager, their mission is to partner with clients to deliver outcome-oriented solutions that support their long-term financial goals.

Our client is looking to strengthen the team at their specialized land investment manager overseeing more than $12 billion in assets under management. With a diversified portfolio spanning geographies, crop types, tree species, and operating models, they provide institutional investors with unique access to global farmland and timberland opportunities. Backed by over 35 years of experience and a team of more than 230 professionals across 10 countries, our client combines global reach with deep, on-the-ground sector expertise.

Position Overview:

The Financial Controller will oversee the financial management of a portfolio of investment funds and their associated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). This includes funds managed in partnership with external entities, as well as international funds requiring close collaboration with global teams. The role demands strong expertise in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, cash flow oversight, and complex fund structures. It also involves coordination with a wide range of external advisors across legal, tax, audit, IT, and insurance domains.

Key Responsibilities:

Fund & SPV Financial Management

• Lead the financial oversight of multiple investment funds, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and investor reporting requirements.
• Manage SPV-level financial operations, including accounting, tax compliance, budgeting, and financial structuring.
• Monitor cash flow across funds and SPVs, evaluating leverage and liquidity requirements.
• Prepare and analyse financial reports using systems such as Yardi to support strategic decision-making.
• Administer capital calls, distributions, and NAV calculations for all managed funds.
• Develop financial forecasts factoring in asset performance, operating expenses, and market dynamics.
• Supervise payroll processes and ensure compliance with employment regulations across jurisdictions.
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of IT systems that support financial reporting and internal controls.
• Collaborate with tax advisors to optimize fund and SPV tax strategies while ensuring compliance in all operating regions.
• Manage insurance arrangements for SPVs in coordination with brokers or providers.
• Maintain and coordinate relationships with external advisors, including auditors, legal counsel, tax consultants, IT vendors, and insurers.

International Engagement & Compliance

• Work closely with international teams and external service providers.
• Ensure compliance with diverse regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions, in collaboration with legal and compliance functions.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax professionals across multiple countries to ensure financial accuracy and transparency.
• Liaise with compliance officers and other relevant institutions to maintain adherence to internal policies and regulatory obligations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of financial management experience, ideally within investment funds, private equity, or real assets.
• Solid knowledge of fund structures, NAV calculations, capital calls, and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical and forecasting capabilities with a hands-on approach to financial planning.
• Fluent in both Spanish and English.

Key Competencies:

• High level of initiative and self-motivation.
• Positive, proactive mindset with a strong drive to meet and exceed expectations.
• Effective communicator, able to engage with a diverse and geographically dispersed stakeholder base.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Persuasive and influential, with the ability to drive decisions and alignment.
• Exceptional attention to detail.