Partner Accountant

DLA Piper LLP; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

We are recruiting a Partner Accountant to join the Partner Accounting team based in our Sheffield office. The Partner Accounting team deliver partner capital contributions, profit sharing, drawings and distribution policies across an international partner population.

The Partner Accountant will provide support and advice on partner accounting matters, assist with reporting requirements, and collaborate with central tax, local Finance teams and wider Finance to deliver a consistent service while

Qualifications

• An accounting graduate, holder of, or working towards, a professional accounting qualification or qualified by experience
• Strong technical background and be confident technically
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience of SAP and TM1 would be an advantage
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be comfortable with communicating with a wide range of stakeholders from both finance and non-finance backgrounds
• Keen eye for detail and enjoy problem solving
• Able to challenge current practice and thinking and to be challenged to improve processes
• Self-motivated, with a logical and organised approach to work
• Able to work independently as well as being part of a team, and have a strong client service orientation
• Comfortable operating in sometimes ambiguous situations, demonstrating a flexible and collaborative personal working style
• Comfortable multi-tasking and working to conflicting timescales on multiple priorities in a robust and fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Support the onboarding of new partners (internal promotions and lateral hires) by preparing and distributing induction materials and assisting with the communication of partner accounting policies and procedures
• Assist in communicating profit-sharing arrangements, including providing information on the firm's currency points profit-sharing system and income protection arrangements, and supporting understanding of these processes
• Support the administration of partner capital contributions, including providing information on funding requirements and approved financing arrangements, liaising with relevant stakeholders and assisting with the management of capital loan facilities
• Prepare calculations relating to monthly drawings in accordance with the firm's drawings policy, support the communication of relevant information, and coordinate payment processing with local Finance teams
• Reconcile and report on partner accounting transactions and balances, review ledger accounts, compile supporting information and prepare Partner Position Statements, including final profit allocations, for review and distribution
• Assist in responding to queries relating to partner accounting matters by providing supporting information, explanations and analysis as required
• Support the calculation and administration of partner distributions, including identifying eligibility considerations, preparing supporting information and coordinating payment instructions in line with approved processes
• Maintain records of sums withheld from distributions or monthly drawings, liaising with Finance colleagues to support the administration and release of such amounts where appropriate
• Support partner departure processes by preparing account reconciliations, coordinating with internal stakeholders regarding agreed financial terms and assisting with the implementation and communication of settlement arrangements
• Contribute to partner cashflow forecasting as part of the annual budgeting process
• Provide support for short-term cashflow forecasting activities to assist treasury and cash management processes
• Support compliance with relevant policies and agreements through the preparation of annual and monthly reporting, analysis of partner transactions and balances, and the escalation of any potential breaches or non-compliance issues to management

Skills

Strong technical background

Advanced Excel skills

Excellent communication

Detail-oriented

Independence

Team player

Client service orientation

Flexibility

Problem solving

Ability to work under time pressure

Education

Accounting degree or professional qualification

Tools

SAP

TM1

Job description

We are recruiting a Partner Accountant to join the Partner Accounting team based in our Sheffield office.

The Partner Accounting team are responsible for implementing the financial terms of the Partners' (Members') Agreement of DLA Piper International LLP relating to partner capital contributions, profit sharing, drawings and distribution policies.

The Partner Accountant will contribute to the delivery of partner accounting services for an international partner population, providing support and advice on partner accounting matters, assisting with reporting requirements, and collaborating with the central tax team, local Finance teams and wider Finance function to deliver a consistent and integrated service, with opportunities to develop greater responsibility over time.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Support the onboarding of new partners (internal promotions and lateral hires) by preparing and distributing induction materials and assisting with the communication of partner accounting policies and procedures
• Assist in communicating profit-sharing arrangements, including providing information on the firm's currency points profit-sharing system and income protection arrangements, and supporting understanding of these processes
• Support the administration of partner capital contributions, including providing information on funding requirements and approved financing arrangements, liaising with relevant stakeholders and assisting with the management of capital loan facilities
• Prepare calculations relating to monthly drawings in accordance with the firm's drawings policy, support the communication of relevant information, and coordinate payment processing with local Finance teams
• Reconcile and report on partner accounting transactions and balances, review ledger accounts, compile supporting information and prepare Partner Position Statements, including final profit allocations, for review and distribution
• Assist in responding to queries relating to partner accounting matters by providing supporting information, explanations and analysis as required
• Support the calculation and administration of partner distributions, including identifying eligibility considerations, preparing supporting information and coordinating payment instructions in line with approved processes
• Maintain records of sums withheld from distributions or monthly drawings, liaising with Finance colleagues to support the administration and release of such amounts where appropriate
• Support partner departure processes by preparing account reconciliations, coordinating with internal stakeholders regarding agreed financial terms and assisting with the implementation and communication of settlement arrangements
• Contribute to partner cashflow forecasting as part of the annual budgeting process
• Provide support for short-term cashflow forecasting activities to assist treasury and cash management processes
• Support compliance with relevant policies and agreements through the preparation of annual and monthly reporting, analysis of partner transactions and balances, and the escalation of any potential breaches or non-compliance issues to management

About you

• An accounting graduate, holder of, or working towards, a professional accounting qualification or qualified by experience
• Strong technical background and be confident technically
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience of SAP and TM1 would be an advantage
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be comfortable with communicating with a wide range of stakeholders from both finance and non-finance backgrounds
• Keen eye for detail and enjoy problem solving
• Able to challenge current practice and thinking and to be challenged to improve processes
• Self-motivated, with a logical and organised approach to work
• Able to work independently as well as being part of a team, and have a strong client service orientation
• Comfortable operating in sometimes ambiguous situations, demonstrating a flexible and collaborative personal working style
• Comfortable multi-tasking and working to conflicting timescales on multiple priorities in a robust and fast-paced environment

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

Sheffield, United Kingdom
Leeds, United Kingdom

Requesting Adjustments

At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.

Agile Working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.

Staying in touch with like-minded people is important to us.Our Talent Community provides unique access to our firm so you can discover why we are a different kind of law firm.

We pride ourselves on the extraordinary impact we make beyond the borders of traditional law. That’s only possible because of the skills our business professionals bring and the environment we create to let them thrive. See where your skills could take you.