Senior Management Accountant

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established international law firm seeks a skilled Management Accountant to oversee European office budgets and management accounts. This dynamic role involves preparing detailed financial reports, leading budgetary control meetings, and ensuring compliance with accounting policies. The firm values collaboration and diversity, fostering an environment where every individual can thrive. If you have a strong accounting background, excellent analytical skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team dedicated to excellence and support the financial operations of a leading legal firm.

Qualifications

• Degree educated, preferably in Accounting or similar.
• 5+ years of legal or professional services accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Compile and produce detailed management accounts and budgets.
• Lead quarterly management accounts review meetings with managers.
• Prepare monthly payroll journal entries and oversee payroll accounting.

Skills

Accounting

Microsoft Office

Excel

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Time Management

UK VAT Rules

Education

BA in Accounting

Tools

Elite 3E

Job description

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 1,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, São Paulo, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

Description/Job Summary

Responsible for the compilation and production of detailed management accounts and budgets, particularly with regards to the expense areas of compensation & benefits, whilst ensuring the on-going improvement in quality of output for the purposes of providing more meaningful management information to the London, Brussels & Luxembourg management and NY accounting teams. Duties include a variety of tasks in accordance with established accounting policies and procedures and practices. Maintain contact with attorneys, staff and external customers as required.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Responsible for all European office compensation & benefits annual expense budget detail;
• Preparation of monthly management accounts reporting;
• Production of monthly budgetary control variance analysis;
• Review and preparation of monthly G/L analysis detail;
• Lead quarterly management accounts review meetings with departmental managers;
• Preparation & maintenance of monthly payroll journal entries;
• Oversee monthly payroll accounting and prepare reconciliation of all staff benefits;
• Ensure payroll expenses are properly accounted for in the firm’s general ledger.
• Oversee the accurate recording of payroll liabilities, including taxes withheld.
• Preparation of quarterly expense forecasting;
• Assist with preparation of UK PAYE Settlement Agreement expense analysis where required;
• Preparation of annual government data surveys;
• Development of monthly expense reporting required by the European office managers;
• Assist with the review & authorization of office payments where required;
• Provide cover for processing new AP vendor requests where required;
• Assist with development of European office management accounts key data package;
• Assist with the mentoring and development of the other Management Accountants;
• Support Accounting Manager with accounting projects;
• Report to Accounting Manager regarding all work duties & tasks;
• Assist with cover for Accounting team members during periods of absence;
• Liaise with New York Accounts department where necessary; and
• Handling of ad-hoc queries and reports as required.

Required Skills

• Degree Educated, a BA in Accounting or similar preferred;
• Legal or professional services accounting experience, 5+ years required;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advanced Excel skills;
• Experience of using Elite 3E or a comparable accounting system preferred;
• Strong understanding of UK VAT rules;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to verbally present information effectively and respond to questions from people at all levels, including Partners, staff and external customers;
• Highly organised with excellent time management skills;
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise;
• Ability to anticipate work needs and follow through with minimum direction;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• Sound judgment;
• Capable of working within a high-charged, fast-paced environment; and
• Available to work additional hours where necessary.

Details

Salary and Benefits: Competitive

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

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.