Job title: Assistant Financial Controller
Reports to: EU Financial Controller
Location: London
What are we looking for?
The Assistant Group Financial Controller position is a high-profile role and we are looking for an experienced candidate. Reporting directly into the European Financial Controller, you will play a lead role in the development of the growing Finance team. You will also work closely with the International Finance Director and the Finance teams in the US and APAC regions.
This role would suit a good communicator with high levels of interpersonal skills. You will be able to motivate the Finance team and inspire confidence within the Firm. You must be organised and accurate and have the ability to deal with a high volume of work, meeting deadlines under pressure.
We are looking for candidates who are experienced and thrive working within a hands-on role. You will be committed and driven to continue adding value in this role, improving finance processes and systems where necessary. Good system skills including Elite 3E are desirable. Excel skills (pivot tables/v-look ups/sumifs etc) are essential.
Areas of focus and responsibilities
- Supporting the Financial Controller in ensuring that all accounting processes and procedures are completed efficiently and accurately.
- Reviewing accounting policies, processes, practices and controls, making improvements where necessary, to ensure efficient financial operations.
- Proactive and detailed daily management of the Accounts Payable and Cashiering teams, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
- Coaching, developing, training and motivating Finance team members.
- Working with the global Learning and Development team to develop and deliver Finance training to associates and partners.
- Developing strong relationships with our bankers in the UK and Jersey.
- Preparing and submitting monthly, quarterly and annual reports and questionnaires to the banks.
- All aspects of treasury management including, but not limited to, modelling in respect of interest rate hedges, foreign exchange swaps and particularly cash flow forecasting.
- Contributing to the annual budgeting and planning process, particularly assisting and guiding the Directors with their submissions.
- Leading the annual SAR Accounts Rules audit, owning the relationship with the auditors and managing the audit from start to finish.
- Helping to run an audit tender process.
- Ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, particularly by providing guidance and advice to partners, regarding compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules, often discussing the financial aspects of complex legal transactions.
- Preparing schedules and arranging payment of performance-based commission due to external consultants and ex partners.
- Completion of surveys, calculating ratios and other financial measures as required.
- Working closely with the tax team, on areas such as transfer pricing, consultant agreements etc.
- Reviewing and authorising office and client account payments.
- Representing Finance on the many and regular ad hoc projects, undertaken by the Firm, including the move to a new Practice Management System (Elite 3E), opening new offices etc.
The above list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.
Skills and attributes
- Professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA) accountant with minimum 5-year PQE
- Legal sector experience is highly desired
- Ability to effectively prioritise and delegate to ensure all deadlines are met
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Highly PC literate, especially Excel
- Previous experience with Elite Enterprise and/or Elite 3E highly desirable, particularly the implementation of Elite 3E
- Experience of Chrome River advantageous
- Commercial aptitude with a modern, pro-active approach
- Excellent communicator and manager with high levels of interpersonal skills and the ability to lead & inspire others
- Ability to inspire confidence throughout the Firm
- The energy and enthusiasm to manage new initiatives, challenge the norm and strive towards excellence and innovation
- Organised and accurate - paying attention to detail
- The ability to deliver a complete solution
- A flexible approach to work with the ability to use your initiative and be self-sufficient
- An organised approach to work which allows you to manage conflicting deadlines and priorities
- Ability to deal with a high volume of work and work well under pressure
- Able to take command of individual projects, with full support from senior managers
The Essentials
- 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
- 12-week probation period
- 12-week notice period
- Flexible benefits package including pension, private medical, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme and more
About Withers Worldwide
Withersworldwide has been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for over 100 years. We advise clients on the full range of their business, personal and philanthropic legal needs, both at home and abroad. With offices in the key financial centres of Europe, Asia-Pacific, the United States and the Caribbean, we provide coverage and services that other law firms focussed on the needs of the individual cannot. We have represented 70% of the Top 100 in The Sunday Times Rich List, 25% of the Forbes 400 List, 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List, and 35% of Forbes Asia's Richest Families list.
Equal Opportunities Employment Statement
It is the policy of Withers Worldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion. Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.
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