Management Accountant

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is seeking a Finance Controller to lead the European financial control function. You will prepare management accounts, variances, and reporting, working with European and global teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

The role also drives process improvements in reporting and budgeting. The position requires 5+ years of relevant accounting experience, strong Excel skills, and the ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting or similar preferred.
• 5+ years’ legal or professional services accounting experience.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency in Microsoft Office; Elite 3E experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare periodic management accounts with variance analysis and comments.
• Lead finance review meetings with department managers and budget holders.
• Prepare general ledger analyses, balance sheet reconciliations and schedules.
• Produce regulatory and external reporting including ONS where required.
• Provide financial analysis to inform decision-making across departments.
• Oversee annual budget and capital expenditure planning with templates and timelines.
• Contribute to development of management reporting and KPIs.
• Prepare VAT return schedules and related analysis.
• Collaborate with global finance teams for consistent reporting.
• Support finance projects, process improvements and ad hoc deadlines.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder communication

Analytical problem-solving

Independent, proactive

Time management

Education

BA in Accounting or related

Professional accounting qualification or finalist/qualified by experience

Tools

Elite 3E

Job description

The firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 2,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

Description/Job Summary

Plays a key role in the delivery of the Financial Control function for the European business. Working closely with Finance colleagues, other functional teams in Europe and other STB offices, the role prepares and produces management accounts, reconciliations and reporting requirements, ensuring outputs are accurate and timely. The role also contributes to ongoing improvements to reporting and processes across the finance function.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Prepare periodic management accounts, including budget-to-actual variance analysis and clear financial commentary, using FTE headcount reporting prepared by the wider team where relevant to support departmental heads and a strong culture of cost control.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of finance review meetings with departmental managers and budget holders, including relevant analysis, commentary and follow-up actions.
• Prepare general ledger analyses, balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Prepare regulatory, statistical and other external reporting requirements, including Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting.
• Produce financial analysis to inform departmental decision-making.
• Lead the preparation and production of annual budget and capital expenditure planning processes for relevant departments, including analysis, templates, timelines and commentary.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of management reporting and KPIs.
• Prepare VAT return schedules and related analysis.
• Liaise with global finance teams and stakeholders to produce consistent reporting.
• Contribute to finance projects, process improvements and reporting enhancements.
• Provide cover for vendor payment setup as required.
• Provide cover during team absences, contribute to cross-team activities and deliver ad hoc projects as required

Required Skills

• Degree educated, with a BA in Accounting or similar preferred.
• Professional accounting qualification, part-qualified/finalist status, or qualified by experience considered.
• At least five years’ legal or professional services accounting experience.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience using Elite 3E or a comparable accounting system.
• Strong understanding of UK VAT rules.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, with sound judgement and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible and willing to work additional hours where required.

Details

Salary and Benefits: Competitive

Hybrid: Monday-Thursday in office, ability to WFH on Fridays

Equal Opportunities

Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity, or circumstance. We know that we are at our best when we bring together diverse experiences and perspectives. This is why we are focused on fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration, empowering every individual to thrive and succeed.