Accounting Assistant

Withersworldwide

Job title: Accounting Assistant

Reports to: Assistant Head of Finance (APAC)

Location: Hong Kong

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 enthusiastic and willing Accounting Assistant to work closely with the Finance team in Hong Kong and Tokyo.  The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years' accounting experience, with experience of both accruals and cash accounting. 

You will be an excellent communicator who is flexible, co-operative and able to fit into a new group of people quickly.  Excellent attention to detail and the ability to use your initiative are essential.  The ideal candidate will be trustworthy, will work well under pressure, and be results oriented and pragmatic.  This is a permanent, full-time position, flexibility is required from time to time. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a professional services environment, ideally in a law firm.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

Assist with day-to-day financial operations:

• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions accurately and timely.
• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions, including invoices, payments, and receipts.
• Prepare and process employee expense reimbursements 
• Assist with bank reconciliations and monitor bank account balances.
• Assist with GL account reconciliations
• Manage client accounts, ensuring accurate recording of client funds and disbursements.
• Process trust transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and transfers.
• Work closely with attorneys, staff, and clients to address financial inquiries and provide assistance as needed.
• Prepare appropriate journal entries for depreciation, Maintain Fixed Asset Register 
• Reconcile credit card statement 
• Prepare monthly (Japan) payroll journal entries 
• Assist in month-ended and year-ended closing process
• Assist with preparation for month-ended and year-end adjustment 

Support billing and invoicing processes:

• Engrossing bills and checking appropriate approvals given
• Process e-billing invoice upload and maintain upload record 
• Process WIP and Invoice write offs and the transfer of time between non-billable and billable matters

Perform general accounting tasks:

• Assisting with the management of cashflow requirements 
• Providing ad hoc support to the Senior Accountant 
• Assist in audit requests
• Respond to various ad hoc requests
• Other responsibilities as they may be assigned from time-to-time

Key Skills and Experience 

• Experienced in a similar role, ideally within a professional services environment
• Experience in using 3E or similar PMS systems will be preferred
• Strong organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges
• Excellent attention to detail together with a methodical and organized approach

Information for Recruitment Agencies

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 age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

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