Financial Accounting Assistant (12mth FTC)

About Withers

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 capable Financial Accounting Assistant to work closely within a busy management and financial accounting team.  The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years' accounting experience.

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 fixed term, 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

• Maintenance of fixed asset, leasehold and cars registers
• Maintenance of Xcelerate reporting system (managing exchange rates, user access, etc)
• Running and reconciling Xcelerate reports, including P&L
• National statistic returns
• Maintenance of 3E master files (GL)
• Balance sheet reconciliations 
• Management of prepayments
• Processing journals and adjustments to the general ledger
• Processing and maintaining recurring journals
• Production of covenants P&L reports
• Production and review of responsible party reports
• Authorising client and office payments
• UK VAT Return
• Support of Swiss VAT Return
• Calculating and maintaining exchange rate data
• Support of major functions held within the team: management accounts, statutory accounts, audit, cash flow, banking arrangements
• Assist with annual budgeting process
• Support year end preparations
• Contribute to variance analysis (costs)
• Assist with various 3E projects, including review of aged balances
• Assist with expense system Chrome River

This list of duties, responsibilities and deliverables 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.

Technical skills and experience

• Professional services experience of 1- 2 years
• Managing a high volume of competing deliverables
• Knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules preferable
• Highly PC literate and good excel skills

Interpersonal skills

• The energy and enthusiasm to manage new initiatives and work well within a team
• The ability to stay calm and work under pressure whilst maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• A flexible and adaptable approach to work. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• An organised approach to work which allows you to manage conflicting deadlines and priorities.

The Essentials

• 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 12 week probation period
• 4 week notice period
• This role is a 12 month fixed term contract
• Flexible benefits package including pension, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, on site café plus more

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers 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 Withers 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).