Accounting Specialist

Baker McKenzie; Metro Manila; On-site; PHP 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker McKenzie in Metro Manila is seeking an experienced accounting professional to manage journal entries and SAP-based close processes. You will review reconciliations, support audits, and help improve efficiency within the R2R function.

The role requires 4–5 years of relevant accounting experience, a CPA license or equivalent is preferred, and strong English communication skills. You will work with the Accounting Manager on month-end close and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in accounting/finance or equivalent.
• CPA license or equivalent is preferred.
• Solid accounting experience and strong analytical ability.

Responsibilities

• Record or review journal entries in SAP for assigned entities/regions.
• Perform and review complex account reconciliations and resolve items.
• Coordinate period-end close activities per schedules and guidelines.
• Respond to in-market queries and post accounting adjustments.
• Support audits of internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead process documentation and update desktop procedures.
• Provide on-the-job training and technical support to new staff.
• Assist with team management when supervisor is away.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency in the service.
• Investigate accounting issues independently and use AI tools for analysis.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Description:

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