Accounts Assistant

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in London seeks an Assistant Accountant / Client Legal Cashier to support multi-books for the London and Europe LLPs, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules. You will work with Billing and Accounts Payable, perform bank reconciliations, prepare journals, VAT returns, and assist with audits and financial statements.

This role also offers learning opportunities with accounting systems and professional qualifications,

Qualifications

• Experience in law firm or professional services accounting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and AI tools.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Complete bank reconciliations for office and client accounts.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and follow up on reconciling items.
• Prepare accounting journal entries for multi-books.
• Assist in VAT returns.
• Assist in annual financial statements under UK FRS.
• Support audit processes and liaise with auditors.
• Prepare other financial and tax analyses.
• Process client and office payments under supervision.
• Assist with accounting system implementations and testing.
• Provide backup during peak times and during absences as required.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Generative AI tools

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

A-levels or equivalent

Experience in law firm accounts department

Tools

Aderant Client Management System

Job description

Overview

Providing support to the Assistant Accountant / Client Legal Cashier to ensure accurate financial records in the firm’s multi-books for the London and Europe LLP’s, and perform various financial and tax related duties.

The role also works closely with the Billing and Accounts Payable teams, and the wider business to ensure compliance with the SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules.

Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Complete bank reconciliations for office and client accounts;
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations for specified accounts and follow up on reconciling items on a timely basis
• Prepare accounting journal entries in the firm’s multi-books.
• Assist in the preparation of VAT returns.
• Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements under UK Financial Reporting Standards.
• Support the statutory audit process by collating documentation as needed and liaising with auditors;
• Preparation of other financial and tax analyses as needed.
• Arrange client account payments and office to client account payments under the supervision of the Legal Cashier;
• Processing quarterly interest due on client accounts;
• Assist with the annual SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules audit;
• Completing monthly and quarterly Office of National Statistics returns;
• Provide backup for the Accounts Payable function during peak times and absences as required;
• Assist with new accounting system implementations, including user acceptance testing and training.
• Other ad hoc duties as required;

Qualifications

Skill Requirements

• Strong A-levels or equivalent;
• At least one year’s experience in the accounts department of a law firm or other professional service organisation;
• IT literate. Comfortable with using Microsoft Excel and generative AI tools;
• Aderant Client Management System experience an advantage, but not essential;

Person Specifications

• Eager to learn and study professional qualifications in accounting;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Proactive with a positive attitude;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• Strong team working skills.