Job Description

Job descriptionA&O Shearman is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we\'re committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work.A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world\'s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future. We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world\'s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients. Whether you\'re helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing. What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we\'re working hard to create an environment where you can bring your authentic self to work. We know that to excel, we must nurture an environment where our people feel they belong. .Department purposeThe Belfast Finance department provides services to the A&O network of offices covering management and financial accounting & reporting, revenue control (including eBilling), credit control, accounts payable and tax. Offices currently served are London, Belfast, US, South Africa, Israel, UAE, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.There is a strong client service ethic and we work to Service Level Agreements, targets and deadlines to deliver in line with client expectations.What you will doFunctional LeadershipResponsible for internal management accounting & reporting supporting the offices we serve;Ensure processes and internal controls are documented, follow best practice and are continually improved, assisting the UK Finance Manager to plan and implement changes as appropriate;Prioritise work effectively, making realistic compromises when necessary in order to deliver;Support the annual financial audit process, providing accurate information to the auditors in a timely manner and execute the annual budgetary/forecasting process;Assist the UK Finance Manager to develop practical solutions to improve the service and undertake value added activities;Ensure that financial data is accurately captured in the financial and forecasting systems;Become a trusted advisor to budget holders, business managers and key members of other finance teams, having the ability to present technical information in a way that is easily understood by a non-specialist audience;Provide support to the UK Finance Manager on business improvement projects that are required to improve the quality of output from the overall group;Help mentor and support more junior members of the Finance team;Build strong, trusting relationships with the customer (UK Financial Controller and UK CFO), provide constructive feedback to the client regarding issues and problems encountered while delivering the service; andAnticipate the needs of the customer and provide timely solutions and opinions on complex matters.About youWell organised, able to make progress in a range of areas, ensuring deadlines are met;Ability to deliver high quality client service by building strong trusted advisor relationships with clients and senior management;Good communicator, being able to tailor conversations to non-financial orientated individuals/teams;Ability to balance on-going projects with business priorities; andAbility to apply technical knowledge and understanding and identify creative solutions to technical issues.What you will haveAn individual with minimum of 6 years\' experience in a commercial accounting role, which should include experience of working in industry. Experience within a shared service environment would be beneficial but is not essential;Qualified member of a recognised accounting body;Good numeracy and literacy skills; andComputer literate with strong Microsoft Office skills and direct experience of complex finance systems.Area of expertiseFinanceOfficeUnited Kingdom - BelfastWorking arrangementHybrid (combination of office & remote working)

Allen & Overy