Financial Assistant

The opportunity

We are looking for a talented and experienced Finance Assistant to join the Accounts team in our Abu Dhabi office.

The roleholder will be expected to provide an efficient and professional accounting service for both our Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices. The roleholder will also deal with the implementation of a new accounts payable system.

The firm

Bird & Bird opens a world of possible for lawyers and professionals everywhere. Working for a leading international law firm like Bird & Bird means working alongside people who are truly collegiate in the way they work with everyone. We work as one global team, with over 70% of work involving people from across the firm. And that’s only increasing! It is this common purpose and shared approach that make it a more productive and collaborative place to work.

Your firm. Your future.

The team

In the UAE, the Accounts team comprises of six professionals across a wide range of areas, including management and financial accounting, billing, transaction processing, partner accounting, pricing and commercial decision support. The team provides day-to-day input on office expenditure, disbursements and expenses whilst being compliant with regulatory obligations.

Our 32 international offices have their own professionals providing local expertise and support.

Collaborative across the network, the team is focused on driving efficiency, adding value and profitable growth.

What you’ll do

The main duties and responsibilities for the role are as follows:

• Adhere to Accounts related policies and procedures to support the day-to-day efficient functioning of the UAE offices, which include general accounting management.
• Accurately input supplier invoices, disbursements and employee expenses onto Aderant accounting system.
• Ensure invoices are coded to the correct budget codes.
• Process client disbursements in compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) rules.
• Manage Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) breaches and related queries.
• Manage telephone queries from suppliers and internal clients.
• Execute reconciliation of supplier statements and maintain AMC contract records.
• Execute reconciliation of client or matter ledger balances.
• Facilitate the set-up of new suppliers on the Aderant ERP system.
• Support additional accounting functions as required by the business from time to time.

About you

The successful candidate will have the following:

• A ‘can do’ attitude, approachability, willingness to learn and expand knowledge and skills within the role, and flexibility as to hours and with the role itself.
• Enthusiastic and proactive approach to work.
• Experience in legal accounts, including accounts payable and cashiering.
• Proven working knowledge of VAT.
• Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with individuals at different levels of seniority and from different cultures.
• High level of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage daily operational activities effectively.
• Ability to maintain patience and objectivity when faced with complex systems and infrastructure both within the office and externally.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and knowledge of Document Management Systems.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to stay calm in often demanding situations and work well under pressure.

The main responsibilities of this role are outlined above; however, this description is not exhaustive, and the job holder may be required to undertake additional duties from time to time to ensure the smooth running of the department. The role may require some working outside our normal working hours of 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.