Fund Accounting Procedures with Practical Examples
What is Fund Accounting?
Fund accounting is a specialized accounting process used by investment funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, and pension funds. It prioritizes accurate Net Asset Value (NAV) calculation, compliance, and transparency over profit measurement.
Key Objectives
- Accurate NAV calculation
- Regulatory and tax compliance
- Allocation of income and expenses
- Timely financial and investor reporting
Fund Accounting Process – Step by Step
1. Trade Booking
Trades are recorded in the accounting system after execution by the portfolio manager.
2. Trade Settlement & Validation
Confirm trades with brokers and custodians. Monitor settlement (T+1, T+2).
3. Cash Reconciliation
Match internal ledger cash balances with custodian bank accounts daily.
4. Income & Expense Accrual
Accrue dividends, interest income, custodian fees, audit fees, etc.
5. Corporate Actions Processing
Handle dividends, splits, mergers, and rights issues timely.
6. NAV Calculation
Total Assets - Liabilities ÷ Units = NAV
7. Security Valuation
Daily valuation of listed and unlisted securities using pricing models.
8. Financial Reporting
Prepare financial statements (Trial Balance, Balance Sheet, P&L) and send to investors or auditors.
9. Tax & Compliance
Ensure proper tax provisioning and adherence to regulatory standards (SEBI, FATCA, AIF norms).
Conclusion
Fund accounting is the backbone of investment operations. Accuracy, compliance, and timeliness are non-negotiable. A good fund accountant ensures every rupee is tracked, verified, and reported—keeping investors informed and regulators satisfied.
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