Financial Accountant

An international law firm is looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to take ownership of the statutory side of its London office. The firm acts on high-stakes disputes and complex corporate matters for clients around the world, and its London office of around 90 people is a meaningful part of the wider group. Management reporting and budgeting are run centrally, which leaves this role free to focus on what it does best: accurate accounts, a clean audit and strong controls. You will work closely with the Head of Finance, and you will have real influence over how the London finance function runs day to day. It suits someone who likes to own a set of accounts end to end and see the results of their work.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will own the London office's statutory reporting and audit, and keep the balance sheet in good order month to month.

• Prepare the annual statutory accounts for the UK entity under UK GAAP
• Lead the year-end audit as the main point of contact for the external auditors
• Post month-end journals, accruals and prepayments
• Own the balance sheet reconciliations, including bank, client account and intercompany
• Support compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules, including the annual accountant's report
• Action audit recommendations and strengthen the controls around each process
• Work with the group finance team on reporting requirements and intercompany balances
• Provide holiday cover across the London finance team where needed

What does the right candidate look like?

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Hands-on experience preparing statutory accounts and running an audit from planning to sign-off
• A professional services background, ideally a law firm, with a working knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules
• Strong balance sheet discipline and a methodical approach to reconciliations
• The confidence to work with senior stakeholders in London and overseas
• Good Excel skills and experience of a practice management or ERP system