Accountant

Ambition; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job description

Principal Researcher - Legal Finance & Accounting

A leading global law firm advising clients on significant transactions and disputes is seeking a talented Accountant. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Finance, EMEA and will be an integral part of the London Finance team. This role provides accounting assistance to the Head of Finance, EMEA and EMEA office Finance Managers to help them comply with tax, compliance, auditing, and reporting obligations across the region.

Specific Responsibilities for this Accountant role:

• Assist the London Finance Manager with the preparation of individual offices' VAT Returns, including liaison with external advisors where necessary.
• Participate in projects to automate VAT processes incorporating Making Tax Digital and improve the firm's VAT accounting and approval systems.
• Take responsibility for the London and Brussels office general ledger content and prepare periodic reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit journals to Head Office as necessary to control and clean general ledger entries.
• Submit completed reconciliations monthly to the Global Finance team and deal with all related exchanges and correspondence.
• Assist the Head of Finance, EMEA with the preparation of individual offices' year-end tax accounts.
• Liaise and correspond with the Global Finance team and external advisors as necessary.
• Take instruction from the firm's tax department on related matters.
• Provide accounting and general assistance with the overflow work from year-end statutory and in-house audits across the region.
• Prepare fiscal year tax schedules to ensure compliance with the London office P11d and PSA obligations.
• Liaise with the firm's reporting team to generate the required reports.
• Generate and prepare reports in Aderant and Excel and finalize the firm's tax year-end tax reports and computations.
• File completed reports and computations with HM Revenue and Customs after appropriate review and ensure related tax payments are made on time.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports for partners, the London Director of Administration, and the London Finance team as required.
• Liaise with the Global Finance reporting team as necessary to prepare and follow up on requested periodic reports.
• Assist the London Finance team with day-to-day compliance and client/vendor on-boarding issues.
• Correspond with various parties (Global Finance, Billing, Compliance, Clients, Vendors, Tax) and take ownership to completion.
• Analyse, prepare, and compile financial process flow charts and system notes.
• Recommend and implement improvements following management review.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Highly numerate
• Working knowledge of legal accounting software and reporting would be an advantage
• Must be capable of using MS Excel to a high level
• Experience of working with other Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written required
• Detail-oriented in all tasks, including excellent analytical and research skills
• Strong time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to develop strong internal and external relationships, including ability to work effectively with people at all levels
• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills

Education & Experience:

• Qualified, part-qualified or qualified by experience (e.g., ACA, ACCA, AAT)
• Some work experience with UK/international tax, VAT and/or audit would be helpful
• Ideally 1-3 years professional experience in a finance position with similar responsibilities
• Law firm and/or professional services experience preferred