Group Financial Accountant - Global Commercial Law Firm

Group Financial Accountant - Global Commercial Law Firm
An international commercial law firm serving its global client base from offices across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Providing high quality legal advice and strategic guidance to their clients. Delivering services in support of complex disputes, transactions and projects.
This role is responsible for the preparation of the Group LLP statutory accounts and associated subsidiary accounts. It's the primary contact on tax related issues alongside the Group Financial Controller. The individual will manage an Assistant Group Accountant and work closely with the Group Financial Controller and other senior members of the finance team.
Key Responsibilities:

• Preparation of the Europe and Middle East LLP accounts, UK Service Company and consolidated accounts in accordance with UK GAAP and the firm's Group accounting policies.

• Planning and preparation of the consolidation process, which includes co-ordination of the production of the year-end financial reports (including analysis, commentary and associated schedules) for the London LLP and its affiliated entities, including liaising with the London finance team and accountants in International offices to ensure a full understanding of the consolidation process requirements and deadlines.
• Liaise with auditors to plan annual audit and communicate deadlines to team. Liaising with tax advisers as required in relation to group accounts, this includes assessing impact of any consolidation adjustments with tax advisers.
• Ensuring the year end members interests / partners' current accounts and associated schedules are accurately presented in the LLP accounts.
• Identifying year-end adjustments that will need to be reflected in the consolidated or international offices accounting records to follow local requirements.
• Monthly review of balance sheet reconciliations and quarterly balance sheet packs from all offices.
• Liaising with auditors and tax advisers as required in relation to group accounts. This includes assessing impact of any consolidation adjustments with tax advisers.
• Liaising with tax advisers on UK tax reserves and tax returns.
• Liaise with auditors to plan annual audit and communicate deadlines to team.
• Assist Group Financial Controller with monthly review of management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and intercompany balances.
• Assist Group Financial Controller in providing senior accounting support to International offices
• Assisting Group Financial Controller to ensure financial controls and procedures are robust, comprehensive and efficient.
• Assist with advising on the accounting impact of acquisitions, disposals or other group structure changes.

In addition:

• Assist Group Financial Controller and Head of Finance with any special projects.
• Acting as primary contact point with our external tax advisers on all tax related queries and ensuring that tax filings and payments are completed and filed ahead of the deadlines.
• Dealing with Partner queries in relation to their partner statements (current accounts, capital accounts and tax reserves).
• Liaise with international offices to provide support and guidance to ensure the Group Accounting Policy is adhered to.
• Ensure that intercompany policy is adhered to, review interoffice settlements and review intercompany reconciliations.

Requirements:

• Professional accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA) with at ideally least three years' experience in an accounting practice and ideally at least four years post-qualification experience.
• In-depth knowledge of UK GAAP (FRS 102) essential and international accounting experience an advantage.
• Producing published financial statements.
• Discussing matters with senior management and able to explain succinctly accounting/tax issues.
• Dealing with and advising on accounting and tax issues.
• A good understanding of best practice in internal control processes.
• High degree of professionalism and accuracy in work.
• Strong relationship building skills.
• Strong influencing and communication (both verbal and written) skills.
• Successfully managed teams, being persuasive and earning respect.
• Effective writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Working in a professional services firm environment would be an advantage, including knowledge of partnership tax.
• Intermediate knowledge of Excel.

Why and how to apply:
This is a successful firm looking for an ambitious individual who will show initiative in promoting their own professional and personal development. If you're looking for your next move and can fulfil at least 70% of this specification, then please click APPLY now.
Alternatively contact Angela Thomas for a confidential conversation - initial contact: angela.thomas@ambition.co.uk