Private Equity & Investment Funds

Management Fee - Step-Down After Investment Period Ends

Recording the reduction in management fee basis when the fund transitions from the investment period (fee on committed capital) to the post-investment period (fee on invested/cost basis of remaining portfolio).

Account NameTypeDebit ($)Credit ($)
Management Fee Expense (Post-Investment Period Rate)Expense (+)280,000.00-
Management Fee Payable - GPLiability (+)-280,000.00

💡 Accountant's Note

The LPA typically provides for a step-down in the management fee basis after the investment period ends (usually Year 5–6 of a 10-year fund). During the investment period, fees are typically 2% of committed capital. Post-investment period, fees step down to 1.5%–2% of invested capital (cost basis of remaining portfolio), which declines as investments are exited. This entry reflects the lower fee under the new basis.

Practitioner & Systems Framework

💻 ERP Architecture

Update the management fee calculation parameters in the fund accounting system at the end of the investment period. The fee basis now references the net invested capital schedule (cost basis minus write-downs and realized exits). Set up automated recalculation quarterly as the portfolio changes.

⚠️ Audit Flags

Auditors verify the investment period end date (per LPA) and confirm the fee basis has correctly shifted. Overcharging management fees post-investment period is a common SEC enforcement area for PE GPs.

📄 Required Documentation

LPA investment period definition and fee step-down provisions, investment period end date determination memo, invested capital schedule (cost basis of remaining portfolio), fee calculation workbook.

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Expert Analysis by Qusai Ahmad

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