Accounting Specialist

Baker & McKenzie Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH; Manila, Hinoba-an; On-site; PHP 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker & McKenzie Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH in Manila seeks an Accounting Specialist to provide technical expertise to the Accounting team and drive improvements across accounting processes.

Key duties include recording journal entries in SAP, performing complex reconciliations, managing period-end close, supporting audits, and training new team members. The role requires a CPA or equivalent and 4–5 years of accounting experience, with strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA license or equivalent preferred.
• 4–5 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Familiarity with GAAP/IFRS.

Responsibilities

• Record and review journal entries in SAP for assigned entities.
• Perform and review complex reconciliations and resolve reconciling items.
• Lead period-end close activities per schedules and guidelines.
• Answer in-market queries and post accounting adjustments.
• Provide support for internal and external audits.
• Exercise strong analytical skills and sound professional judgment in complex situations.
• Lead process documentation, including preparing and updating desktop procedures.
• Act as a process lead by providing on-the-job training and technical support to new team members.
• Manage a range of special projects with minimal assistance.
• Assist the Accounting Manager with team management when the supervisor is on leave, including delegating activities, reviewing account reconciliations and journals, and ensuring compliance with service-level agreements.
• Proactively and continuously explore opportunities to increase efficiency within the service.
• Work independently, investigate accounting issues and variances, and use relevant technology, including AI tools, to support analysis and process improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Independent work ability

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license or equivalent preferred

Tools

SAP

Job description

The Accounting Specialist will provide technical expertise and guidance to members of the Accounting team and play a substantial role in implementing improvements across accounting processes.

Main responsibilities:

• Record and/or review journal entries in SAP for assigned entities or regions in line with established service-level agreements.
• Perform and review complex account reconciliations and resolve reconciling items in a timely manner.
• Perform and review period-end activities in accordance with financial close schedules and established guidelines.
• Respond to in-market queries and post accounting adjustments as required.
• Provide support for internal and external financial and statutory audits.
• Exercise strong analytical skills and sound professional judgment in complex situations.
• Lead process documentation, including preparing and updating desktop procedures.
• Act as a process lead by providing on-the-job training and technical support to new team members.
• Manage a range of special projects with minimal assistance.
• Assist the Accounting Manager with team management when the supervisor is on leave, including delegating activities, reviewing account reconciliations and journals, and ensuring compliance with service-level agreements.
• Proactively and continuously explore opportunities to increase efficiency within the service.
• Work independently, investigate accounting issues and variances, and use relevant technology, including AI tools, to support analysis and process improvement.

Skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting , Finance, or another relevant business discipline.
• A CPA license or equivalent professional accounting certification is preferred.
• Solid experience in a relevant field; experience in a professional services firm or shared service center is preferred.
• Approximately four to five years of relevant accounting experience is preferred based on hiring-manager calibration.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to investigate complex reconciliations and accounting issues independently.
• A solid understanding of GAAP, IFRS, and general accounting principles.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Business proficiency in written and spoken English.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, and deliver accurate work with minimal supervision.
• The ability to adapt to new activities, changing priorities, and situations where processes or documentation may be incomplete.
• Experience using AI or other digital tools to support analysis, productivity, or process improvement is advantageous.

Reports to: Accounting Manager or Assistant Manager

Key relationships: In-Market R2R Business Partners and End-to-End Service Centers

About us

Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance. Our people represent diverse cultures and jurisdictions, combining local know-how with international expertise to ensure your business thrives across borders .

Additional Information

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.

Reasonable Accommodation statement:

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let your recruitment contact know. We are committed to working with candidates to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience in accordance with applicable laws and our commitment to diversity.