Senior Management Accountant
Potter Clarkson LLP, United Kingdom
Job Description
We have an excellent opportunity for a Senior Management Accountant to join our Finance team based in our Nottingham office to support the Financial Controller. Our hybrid working policy requires that you work at this location for a minimum of three days each week.
Potter Clarkson LLP is one of the leading pan-European Intellectual Property law firms, with seven offices across the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.
We offer clients a full IP service to support them in achieving their commercial objectives. We pride ourselves in the exceptional level of client care offered by our approachable and engaged team.
We have over 90 patent and trade mark professionals and 10 IP solicitors, who are expertly assisted by over 130 support staff and state of the art IT infrastructure.
The firm is consistently ranked in the top tier of major legal guides, such as Legal 500 and MIP. We also hold three independent ISO accreditations which evidence our high level of environmental awareness, service provision and information security.
We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, and supporting the wellbeing of all our people. We offer a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits and resources including healthcare, attractive flexible working options, sports and social groups, virtual mindfulness sessions, a virtual wellbeing hub, mental health first aiders, and a busy social calendar.
The role
The role will lead on the month and year end processes assisted by the Management Accountant including the preparation of the monthly accounts with detailed variance analysis.
The role includes the mentoring/coaching of the management accountant and working with the commercial finance team to ensure a joined up approach to service delivery.
Duties and Responsibilities
- To lead on the month end process including a full review of the timetable in order to generate efficiencies and ensuring a timely delivery of the month end accounts.
- To provide a detailed variance analysis for cost variations each month and assess the impact of this against the budget position.
- To work closely with the Management Accountant and ensure work is delegated appropriately providing coaching and training as required.
- To ensure balance sheet control accounts are fully reconciled each month and postings are accurate and up to date. This includes intercompany balances.
- The timely preparation and submission of the quarterly VAT returns.
- To assist with cash flow forecast and day to day management of bank accounts.
- To work closely with the Financial Controller and Operations manager to agree priorities across the finance team and assist with ledger and data integrity.
- To lead on the year end process and assist with the Group Audit including the preparation of statutory accounts and lead schedules. Liaise with auditors as required.
- To prepare the overhead budget and regular forecasts. This involves liaising with the responsible budget lead to understand the requirements providing commentary for significant changes year on year.
- To assist with any system upgrades as necessary.
- To provide monthly reports for the central teams and assisting the commercial finance team with any required information.
- To take on ad hoc duties as and when they arise including high level cover for the Financial Controller during periods of absence.
Requirements
Technical
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, logic formulas and look ups.
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft packages including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.
- Relevant qualification and experience i.e. ACCA/ACA/CIMA.
- Excellent systems knowledge.
- Experience of working within a changing and dynamic finance environment.
- Demonstrable experience of leading a month end process and deliverables.
Personal
- Excellent time management and organisation skills required. The ability to prioritise work is essential.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence decision making. To be professional at all times and build good working relationships.
- Flexible and adaptable in approach with an enquiring mind to challenge appropriately where necessary.
- Process driven, organised individual who excels at meeting deadlines when working within a busy team environment.
- Use of initiative when problem solving demonstrating logical and consistency.
- To work flexibly to meet the needs of the service is essential.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- 24 days holiday + bank holidays.
- A generous company pension scheme.
- Healthcare package.
- Life assurance.
- Cycle to work scheme.