Management Accountant (Newly Qualified)

Fieldfisher; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in Belfast is seeking a Management Accountant to support the Accounting and Financial Reporting team. The role involves assisting with monthly management accounts, preparing financial statements, and managing control account reconciliations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial reporting and possess a professional accounting qualification. This position is rooted in a friendly and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Dental insurance

Life assurance

Critical illness insurance

Matched pension contributions up to 7%

Holiday trading

Qualifications

• Proven experience of working as a Management Accountant producing Consolidated Management Accounts.
• Must be a qualified accountant, either ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, including use of macros.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the monthly consolidated management accounts process.
• Prepare monthly Management Packs including P&L, cash-flow and balance sheets.
• Ensure all GL control accounts are reconciled.
• Completion of quarterly VAT returns.

Skills

Consolidated Management Accounts

Financial Reporting

Microsoft Excel

Communication Skills

Relationship Building

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Tools

Microsoft Office

IT finance systems

Job description

The Vacancy

Due to significant growth for the firm, we have an exciting opportunity for a Management Accountant to join our Accounting and Financial Reporting team.

The main responsibilities will be assisting in the production of monthly management accounts, reconciliations of control accounts, regulatory financial requirements such as VAT returns and surveys, continued development of financial reporting and preparation of the firm’s statutory accounts and supporting schedules ready for the annual audit.

A bit about the role

The role will sit within the accounts department in our Belfast office. The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the monthly consolidated management accounts process, liaising with UK and International accounting colleagues as appropriate
• Prepare monthly Management Packs including P&L, cash‑flow and balance sheets
• Ensure all GL control accounts are reconciled
• Ensure all accruals and prepayments are accurately recorded
• Review all other journals processed
• Intercompany reconciliations between all offices.
• Completion of quarterly VAT returns
• Review Management Accounts and key variance reports
• Ensure accurate distribution of Management Accounts
• Significant assistance with year‑end Statutory Financial Statements preparation
• Ensure processes and internal controls are documented, follow best practice and are continually improved, assisting the Finance Team Lead to plan and implement changes as appropriate
• Implement key financial and reporting processes where necessary
• Develop working relationships with Business Managers and Lead Partners
• Assist with Budget and Forecast preparation
• Handle and resolve complex management accounts queries.
• Support the firm’s working capital team to supply client‑specific analysis on a timely basis
• Working closely with the firm’s Finance Systems Team to enhance and improve the firm’s reporting
• Other ad-hoc financial work
• Liaise with the firm’s auditors and with other key functions of the firm when required

A bit about you

• Proven experience of working as a Management Accountant producing Consolidated Management Accounts and monthly financial reporting
• Legal/Professional services experience would be preferable, but is not a prerequisite
• Must be a qualified accountant, either ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Experienced with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel including use of macros) and good exposure to IT finance systems.
• Experienced with producing quarterly VAT returns
• Good experience of seeking and implementing ways to improve the current practice
• Must have a conscientious, accurate and methodical approach to work
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, e.g. articulate when communicating to partners and key staff, and able to present financial results to the function and wider business
• Can demonstrate strong relationship‑building skills with the ability to deal with partners, fee earners and clients at all levels.
• A team player with a flexible and proactive approach to work, with the ability to work autonomously

Who are we looking for?

• We don’t have a type. We believe our differences are our strength; varied cultures, approaches and experience can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits / Fieldfisher.
• Modern Office Space: Located in the iconic Titanic Quarter with excellent commuter links and parking nearby.
• Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You’ll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you’d like to study more closely.
• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro‑bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion is not exclusive:

If all our differences are highlighted, no one stands out for being different. At Fieldfisher, all our rich diversity is celebrated.

We will provide the equipment to allow you to shine, at interview and beyond. Just let us know what you need.

For accessibility information on our Belfast office, visit: Accessing Fieldfisher Belfast Hub / Fieldfisher.

What to do next

• Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV.
• Successful applications will be invited to a 20‑30‑minute introductory call with a recruiter.
• Every role recruits differently. But we’ll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises.
• For hybrid opportunities, you’ll be invited to visit our offices for a face‑to‑face meeting.
• We try to make sure the process takes around 2‑3 weeks only, but we can’t always promise that. We will work around everyone’s availability. You can contact us at [e-mail].

We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.

The Firm

We are not a UK firm with offices in Europe. We are a European law firm at our core. While our HQ is London, we are spreading across Europe at pace. In addition to UK, China and Silicon Valley we have offices in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

With 1,800 people across 28 offices across 14 countries you might expect an impersonal office culture, but you will find a homely, family feel even in the largest offices.

Quality on both sides

Across all our offices and jurisdictions are market‑leading practices in corporate/M&A, finance, real estate, energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences.

We count as clients large corporations including major technology firms, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, energy suppliers, infrastructure companies, global banks and financial institutions.

We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. Applications will be considered on merit and the applicant’s suitability to meet the requirements of the role.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Health insurance

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Season ticket loans

Bike to work loans

Testimonial

Charlotte Round – Finance Partner, Manchester

It is great being in a firm which “gets” cross‑office working - to feel properly part of a national team and to work with colleagues in other specialisms who are unconstrained by geography.

Richard Dwight – DMS Team Leader at Fieldfisher

I consider Fieldfisher to be a progressive firm with an understanding of social values. I’m pleased that staff is able to have input in the firm’s direction and purpose as well as help to shape wider society. I’m encouraged to perform by being able to develop in a natural way, whilst being supported at every step. Fieldfisher has managed to nurture a really positive and friendly culture. If they have drive and ambition, I would encourage anybody looking for a role here to grab the opportunity.

Rebecca Reardon – Executive Assistant

Since joining Fieldfisher in 2016, I have progressed from an entry‑level secretarial role to an experienced executive assistant. This was made possible by a supportive and inclusive working environment that allows staff to progress at a pace that is best suited to them which in turn makes for well‑rounded, home‑grown talent. The firm strikes a great balance between providing the foundations for success and autonomy of your own growth and development. An insight I would give to potential applicants is that Fieldfisher offers the opportunity for a career and a sense of belonging to a community and not just a job.