International Assistant Financial Controller

Rutherford Briant Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Exposure to international finance

Senior leadership interaction

Job summary

Rutherford Briant is partnering with a rapidly expanding international law firm to appoint an International Assistant Financial Controller to own US monthly reporting and broaden the finance function across jurisdictions.

You will manage monthly management accounts, cash flows and client trust reporting, while strengthening controls and supporting global budgeting. Hybrid work is offered, with strong exposure to senior finance leadership and international stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong background in legal finance, ideally gained within an international or established law firm.
• Experience with legal accounting and client trust account compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing management accounts, financial reconciliations and monthly reporting.
• Understanding cash flow management, banking and financial controls.
• Part-qualified, fully qualified or qualified through relevant experience.
• Analytical, attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving approach.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with international stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn accounting and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
• US legal accounting or IOLTA reporting experience advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Taking ownership of monthly management accounts and financial reporting for the US business, using Xero.
• Managing month-end processes, balance sheet reconciliations and ensuring FRS 102 compliance.
• Preparing rolling 13-week cash flow forecasts and monitoring liquidity/work capital.
• Overseeing international billing, accounts receivable, outstanding balances and banking relationships.
• Managing client trust accounts, including three-way reconciliations and compliance reporting.
• Developing understanding of accounting, tax and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis for local and global management.
• Monitoring partner billing performance against revenue projections and resolving issues.
• Supporting financial systems improvements, automation and wider international initiatives.

Skills

Legal finance

Management accounts

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Independent working

US GAAP/IFRS awareness

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA

Tools

Xero

Job description

Does the idea of joining a high-growth, international law firm, with excellent working flexibility and the opportunity to take real ownership of an expanding international finance operation, appeal to you?

We're working with a rapidly growing, multi-jurisdictional law firm to appoint an International Assistant Financial Controller to play a key role in supporting its continued international expansion.

The business has experienced significant growth in recent years and is now focused on strengthening its financial infrastructure across its international operations.

Initially taking responsibility for the financial reporting, accounting and compliance requirements of its recently established US business, you'll also have the opportunity to support additional international jurisdictions as the firm continues to expand.

This is an exciting, hands-on opportunity for someone with a strong legal finance background who enjoys solving problems, improving processes and taking genuine ownership of their work.

Reporting to the Global Controller, you'll work closely with international stakeholders to establish robust financial controls, deliver accurate reporting and help shape the finance operations of a growing global business.

What you'll be doing:

• Taking ownership of monthly management accounts and financial reporting for the US business, using Xero
• Managing month-end processes, balance sheet reconciliations and ensuring compliance with FRS 102
• Preparing and maintaining rolling 13-week cash flow forecasts, monitoring liquidity and working capital requirements
• Overseeing international billing, accounts receivable, outstanding balances and banking relationships
• Managing client trust accounts, including monthly three-way reconciliations and associated compliance reporting
• Developing an understanding of the different legal accounting, tax and regulatory requirements across US jurisdictions
• Supporting annual budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis, providing financial insight to local and global management
• Monitoring partner billing performance against revenue projections
• Identifying and resolving accounting issues, strengthening financial controls and improving reporting processes
• Supporting financial systems improvements, automation and wider international finance initiatives

What we're looking for:

• A strong background in legal finance, ideally gained within an international or established law firm
• Practical experience of legal accounting and client trust account compliance requirements
• Experience preparing management accounts, financial reconciliations and monthly reporting
• A good understanding of cash flow management, banking and financial controls
• Part-qualified, fully qualified or qualified through relevant experience
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving approach
• The confidence to take responsibility, work independently and manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders internationally
• A willingness to learn and become proficient in the accounting and regulatory requirements of different international jurisdictions

Previous experience of US legal accounting or IOLTA reporting would be advantageous but is not essential. We're particularly interested in individuals with the initiative, curiosity and determination to develop their expertise and take ownership of new challenges.

What's in it for you:

• Excellent hybrid working - ideally just 2 days per month in the London office
• Opportunity to join a successful, rapidly expanding international law firm
• Genuine responsibility for an important and growing international finance operation
• Exposure to US financial reporting, legal accounting and international compliance
• The opportunity to improve systems, establish controls and make a tangible difference
• Direct exposure to senior finance leadership and international stakeholders
• Excellent potential for professional development as the business expands into further jurisdictions

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal finance professional looking to broaden their responsibilities, develop international expertise and enjoy the flexibility of a predominantly remote role.

Rutherford Briant is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply to vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair for all, regardless of background and personal characteristics.