This role can be based in either our Northampton or Manchester office.
This role supports the delivery of Shoosmiths’ Strategy 2030, contributing to the firm’s growth as an upper mid-tier international law firm. It focuses on high-quality financial accounting, reporting and control across the Group, while supporting ongoing expansion into new jurisdictions. The role also supports the continued development of the firm’s SAP S/4HANA Cloud platform to deliver scalable, efficient and data-driven finance processes.
This is an opportunity for an experienced Financial Accountant or newly qualified auditor to broaden their experience across group reporting, systems and international operations.
Key Responsibilities
Group Reporting & Control
- Deliver month-end, quarter-end and year-end reporting in line with the group timetable
- Prepare consolidated accounts under UK GAAP (FRS 102)
- Ensure balance sheet integrity and full supporting reconciliations
- Support statutory accounts and external audit
Financial Accounting
- Execute month-end close including journals, accruals and prepayments
- Perform balance sheet reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation
- Manage intercompany accounting and reconciliations
- Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with policies
Systems & Process Improvement
- Support SAP S/4HANA Cloud processes and enhancements
- Document and standardise account-to-report processes
- Identify and implement process and control improvements
Projects & Stakeholder Support
- Support financial workstreams on business projects including integrations
- Build effective relationships with Finance and wider business services teams
Skills & Experience
- ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
- Financial accounting, audit or group reporting experience
- Strong understanding of UK GAAP (FRS 102)
- Experience of ERP systems (SAP desirable)
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
The firm
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.
We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.
Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions. The Disability Confident scheme replaced the Two Ticks Positive about Disabled People scheme. We had been accredited as a two tick employer for many years - Disability Confident broadens and develops that original commitment, and demonstrates we have adopted a proactive approach to employing disabled people and developing their abilities.
As part of our accreditation, we commit to interviewing any applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for each vacancy. In some circumstances we may only be able to interview those that best meet the essential criteria due to the volume of applications received.
Further information on the Disability Confident scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability or long-term condition and would like to receive information in a different way, or need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team on [email protected]. We can consider your needs and requirements, and how we can assist you to apply for our roles. For example we can provide a copy of our application via email so that you can complete it using your own accessibility software.
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Williams at [email protected]
