Fund Accounting
About Fund Accounting
A fund accounting system keeps track of resources whose usage has been constrained by a contributor, grant authority, governing body, other people or organizations, or by the law. It is employed by governments and nonprofit organizations and places a stronger emphasis on responsibility than profitability.
Why is Fund Accounting important?
Nonprofits may use fund accounting to see exactly how much of their budget goes to various fundraising, program, and operational costs. By doing this, the organization can create more realistic budgets and make sure they have the money they need to keep running in the future.
Who should take the Fund Accounting Exam?
- Finance managers, senior executives, executives
- Accountants seeking to learn new areas of accounting
- Fund managers
- Emerging fund managers
- Individuals seeking to launch real estate funds
- Venture capital principals
- Fund principals
Fund Accounting Certification Course Outline
- Understand the difference between private equity and hedge funds
- Learn common fund structures
- Understand the economics of private equity
- Comprehend key concepts of private equity accounting
- Calculate management and performance fee
- Calculate net asset value (NAV)
- Understand capital activities in fund accounting
- Fund's key concepts (i.e. private equity, hedge fund)
- Difference between private equity and a hedge fund
- How private equity funds are set up (stand-alone fund, master-feeder, parallel, etc.)
- Legal entities and preferable jurisdictions
- Team members and service providers (management, advisory board, attorneys, accountants, fund administrator, custodian, etc.)
- Key accounting concepts (statement of assets and liabilities, statement of activities, schedule of investments, members/partners equity)
- Capital activities (capital call ad redemptions)
- Operating expense schedule
- Management and performance fees calculation
- Net asset value calculation
Certificate in Fund Accounting FAQs
What is the Fund Accounting Certification Exam?
The Fund Accounting Certification Exam is a professional assessment that evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and practical skills in managing accounting operations for investment funds, including NAV calculations, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting.
Who should consider taking this exam?
This exam is ideal for finance professionals, fund accountants, auditors, fund administrators, and recent graduates seeking to specialize in investment and fund accounting.
What topics are covered in the exam?
The exam covers NAV calculation, financial instruments, reconciliation processes, accounting principles, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, corporate actions, and fund accounting software applications.
Are there any prerequisites to sit for the exam?
While formal prerequisites may vary by provider, a background in accounting, finance, or investment operations is strongly recommended to understand core concepts and practical workflows.
What is the format of the Fund Accounting Certification Exam?
The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions, scenario-based case studies, and numerical problem-solving tasks to assess both conceptual understanding and practical application.
How long does the exam take to complete?
The standard exam duration ranges from 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the certifying body and exam level.
Is the exam offered online or in-person?
Most providers offer the exam through secure online proctoring platforms, though some may provide in-person testing options at authorized centers.
What is the minimum score required to pass the exam?
A passing score is generally set at 70%, although this may vary by the exam authority or program guidelines.
What certification will I receive after passing the exam?
Candidates who pass the exam will receive a formal certification that validates their expertise in fund accounting, which can be used to enhance their professional profile and career prospects.
Can I retake the exam if I do not pass on the first attempt?
Yes, most certification programs allow retakes after a specified waiting period and may require a reduced or full fee for each additional attempt.