Union Maritime is seeking an Associate in Japan with experience in fund matters, joint ventures, equity raising and ship finance. The role will support the group's shipping transactions and financing activities, working with Japanese investors, joint venture partners, banks and other financial institutions.

The Associate will support the Head of Japan across fund-related matters, joint venture structuring and execution, equity raising and ship finance transactions. Responsibilities will include transaction execution and documentation, coordination with investors, lenders and advisers, and ongoing fund and joint venture administration and reporting. The Associate will work alongside colleagues in London and Singapore as well as external advisers in Japan.

This is a hands-on role in a small team. It offers broad exposure to fund matters, joint ventures, equity raising, ship finance and investor relations, with the opportunity to take on greater responsibility across these activities.

Requirements

Transactions and documentation

·         Support the structuring, documentation and closing of funds, joint ventures, equity investments and ship finance transactions, including partnership, joint venture and investment agreements, financing documents and management agreements.

·         Coordinate with external legal, tax and audit advisers, and with the internal Finance, Legal, Compliance and Asset Management teams, so that workstreams progress to an agreed timetable.

·         Prepare term sheets, transaction summaries, step plans and closing checklists, and track conditions precedent through to completion.

·         Help manage capital calls, funds flows and other closing mechanics.

Fund administration and reporting

·         Prepare periodic investor reports covering the financial position of the fund, vessel operations and earnings, distributions, asset valuations and developments in the relevant shipping markets.

·         Support the annual audit process, the calculation and payment of distributions, and the regulatory filings and notifications required for the fund vehicles.

·         Assist with the day-to-day maintenance of fund entities, including corporate records, bank accounts, KYC/AML and sanctions checks.

·         Monitor the fund's compliance with its documentation and flag matters that need investor consent or discussion.

·         Build and maintain cash flow, distribution and return models, and reconcile forecasts against actual performance.

Investor relations and business development

·         Support relationships with Japanese investors, banks, leasing companies and other financial institutions, including regular performance meetings.

·         Prepare investor presentations, information materials and responses to due diligence and credit review questions.

·         Assist in identifying and approaching investors and joint venture partners, supporting equity raising and developing fund-related and ship finance opportunities.

·         Keep up to date with developments in Japanese investment structures, tax and regulation, and in the ship finance market, and share relevant insights with the team.

Candidate profile

Essential

·         Three to seven years of relevant experience in Japan, including practical experience in fund matters, joint ventures, equity raising and ship finance, for example with a bank, leasing company, trading house, securities firm or asset manager.

·         Working knowledge of Japanese investment structures such as LPS, TK or JOL/JOLCO, and of the related legal, tax and regulatory considerations.

·         Experience reviewing or negotiating transaction documents and working with external advisers.

·         Strong financial modelling and Excel skills, with good working knowledge of PowerPoint.

·         Native-level Japanese and business-level English, with the ability to write clearly in both.

·         Based in, or willing to relocate to, Tokyo, with the right to work in Japan.

Desirable

·         Experience in fund administration, investor reporting or the accounting side of fund vehicles.

·         Familiarity with the shipping market, particularly tankers or dry bulk, and with how charter rates and vessel values drive investment returns.

·         A network among Japanese financial institutions and investors.

·         A professional qualification such as CPA/USCPA, CFA or a securities analyst qualification, or a degree in finance, economics, accounting or law.

Personal qualities

We are looking for someone who is organised, detail-oriented and comfortable working in a small, fast-moving team. They should be able to manage several workstreams at once and take ownership of their deliverables. They must also be able to communicate clearly with colleagues in Japan and overseas, explaining Japanese practice to international colleagues and group decisions to Japanese counterparties. A proactive attitude and willingness to learn are important, as is discretion: much of the work involves confidential investor and transaction information.