Senior Financial Accountant / Financial Accountant (FTC)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced, organised individual to assist in the development of the London Finance team in order to create a commercially focussed, value-adding department, whilst maintaining and improving a strong control environment.

Supervising a team of two Financial Accountants and reporting to the Assistant Financial Controller, this role would suit a good communicator with high levels of interpersonal skills. You will be able to motivate the Financial Accounting 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.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Assisting with production of the annual audited Financial Statements using FRS 102, in respect of the Withers LLP, Withers Professional Services Limited and other related entities.
• Working closely with the audit team and liaising with the accountants in the Group offices to ensure that the audit completes efficiently.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and business plan.
• Working closely with the tax team, especially regarding partner related matters. Also re R&D tax credits, transfer pricing etc.
• Managing the distribution of "Responsible Party" reports each month and the review of the Balance Sheet reconciliations received.
• Supervising the preparation and submission of Payment Practices reports twice a year for Withers LLP and Withers Professional Services Limited.
• Assisting with the day-to-day running and development of the expense management system – Chrome River.
• Review and authorisation of office and client account payments.
• Preparation and reconciliation of VAT returns and EU Sales list submissions.
• Intercompany reconciliation project to reconcile old historic balances.
• Project to clean up Elite balances relating to closed offices, in advance of the move to 3E.
• Assisting in ensuring the smooth financial integration of current and future overseas operations.
• Ad hoc projects and reports as required.

This 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

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withersworldwide 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.