Accounts Assistant

Ambition Europe Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition Europe Limited is recruiting for an entry-level finance role within a leading US law firm’s London and European operations. You will support accounting, compliance and reporting across multiple entities, with study support towards a professional accounting qualification.

You’ll work closely with the Assistant Accountant and Legal Cashier, handling journal entries, VAT, reconciliations and audit support while developing broad finance experience in a respected, global firm.

Qualifications

• Open to graduates with strong GCSE/A-Levels and a Russell Group degree.
• Interest in building a career in accounting and finance.
• Willingness to study towards ACA, ACCA or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail with high accuracy.
• Proactive, collaborative with good written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Process quarterly interest due on client accounts with accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with new accounting system implementations and user testing.
• Prepare journal entries across multi-entity books.
• Provide cover for Accounts Payable during peak periods.
• Assist with VAT returns and tax analyses.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and clear outstanding items.
• Complete monthly and quarterly ONS returns.
• Arrange client account payments and transfers under supervision.
• Prepare annual financial statements under UK accounting standards.
• Support statutory audits by collating documentation for auditors.
• Complete bank reconciliations for office and client accounts.
• Assist with SRA Accounts Rules audits.
• Support billing compliance with SRA requirements.
• Take on ad hoc duties as the team evolves.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn AI tools

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree (any)

Tools

Accounting software

Legal finance system

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading US law firm with a strong and growing London presence, widely regarded as one of the most progressive and well-structured finance functions in the legal sector. This is a fantastic entry point into legal finance, offering genuine breadth, real responsibility from day one, and a clear route into a long-term accounting career.

Whether you're a high-achieving graduate eager to launch your finance career, or someone with up to 12 months of experience in a similar role at a law firm or professional services organisation, our client wants to hear from you. Study support towards a professional accounting qualification is available, making this a role with serious long-term potential.

You'll work closely with the Assistant Accountant and Legal Cashier, supporting the financial operations of the firm's London and European entities across a wide range of accounting, compliance and reporting responsibilities.

What You'll Be Doing

• Process quarterly interest due on client accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance at all times
• Assist with new accounting system implementations, including participating in user acceptance testing and supporting training activities
• Prepare accounting journal entries across the firm's multi-entity books
• Provide cover for the Accounts Payable function during peak periods or absences as required
• Assist with the preparation of VAT returns and other financial and tax analyses as needed
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations for specified accounts and follow up on any outstanding items promptly
• Complete monthly and quarterly Office for National Statistics returns
• Arrange client account payments and office-to-client account transfers under appropriate supervision
• Prepare annual financial statements in line with UK Financial Reporting Standards
• Support the statutory audit process by collating relevant documentation and liaising with external auditors
• Complete bank reconciliations across both office and client accounts
• Assist with the firm's annual SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules audit
• Work across billing, accounts payable and the wider business to support compliance with SRA requirements
• Take on additional ad hoc duties as the role and team evolve

What We're Looking For

Our client is genuinely open on background. You may be:

• A strong graduate with outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, a degree from a Russell Group university, and a keen interest in building a career in accounting and finance, OR
• An early-career professional with up to 12 months of experience in a finance or accounts role within a law firm or professional services environment

In either case, you'll need to demonstrate:

• A strong academic foundation, particularly at A-Level or equivalent
• Enthusiasm for studying towards a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Excellent attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence using Microsoft Excel, and a willingness to engage with technology including generative AI tools
• A proactive, positive and collaborative approach to work
• Good team-working skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with a legal practice management or finance system (prior experience with a legal finance platform would be an advantage, though full training will be provided)
• Awareness of SRA Accounts Rules or exposure to a regulated finance environment

Why Join

This role offers far more than a standard entry-level finance position:

• Study support towards a recognised professional accounting qualification is available, with the firm actively investing in the development of its finance team
• You'll gain exposure to a wide range of accounting, tax, compliance and reporting activities across multiple legal entities
• Our client is a leading international law firm with the infrastructure, culture and ambition to help you grow