Main information
Term type:
Permanent
Department:
Finance
Location:
London
The firm
Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.
The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.
Role overview
An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Financial Accountant to join the accounting team. The role will support the Financial Accountant with all statutory accounting challenges including the annual audit, VAT and other compliance requirements. The role will also be required to work with an Assistant Analyst to produce the monthly transactional management accounts, including postings and variance analysis. The role is a global role so will be involved with international finance teams supporting local external audits, vat and other compliance matters.
The accounting team is continually evolving with changes to systems and processes which will lead to opportunities in project areas.
Key activities/responsibilities
Financial accounting:
- Prepare the monthly management accounts balance sheet including backup schedules of debtors and WIP.
- Prepare the monthly cashflow schedules and assist with preparing the 24 month forecast.
- Prepare monthly reconciliations of key control accounts including payroll, accruals, prepayments and fixed assets.
- Assist with the preparation of the London and Global payrolls.
- Lead on the monthly intercompany reconciliation process discussing unrecognised postings with our international accounts teams.
- Assist with the preparation of the monthly global recharge workings.
- Alongside the financial accountant be recognised as the go to person during the annual statutory audit and deputise for the financial accountant when required.
- Assist with the preparation of the quarterly VAT return and bank covenant certificates.
- Adhoc tasks that could include detailed forensic accounting.
Management accounting:
- Review monthly financial information including production of the monthly variance analysis.
- Production of a range of journals including monthly accruals, prepayments, inter office and payrolls.
- Assist in maintaining the chart of accounts and be a key contact for changes.
- Input system changes for personnel movements, rate changes and hours targets.
- Post bill write offs.
- Assist with any ad hoc queries.
Other:
- Provide recommendations on change and improvements.
- Assist with any ad hoc projects and developments particularly to the accounting system.
- Be a key contact to the International finance teams.
- Prepare the data required for the annual press releases and panel requirements.
- Assist with the preparation of a range of benchmarking surveys including PWC and Deloitte.
- Produce a range of national statistic surveys.
Skills and experience – desired
- Excellent Excel skills, knowledge of Power BI and Expert would be preferable.
- Experience of dealing with senior management.
- Experience of working through change.
- Experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
- Studying for an accounting qualification is desirable but not a requirement.
Benefits
We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.
Additional information
The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.
Equal opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact [email protected].
