Finance Performance Analyst

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 100 law firm to achieve “Gold Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance and pomposity makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

You will be part of highly skilled and professional national finance team, approximately 70 strong. The team provides a wide range of services, organised broadly into FP&A, Credit Management, Legal Cashiering and Partnership Accounting. We are always committed to providing an excellent service commensurate the leading National Law firm.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Finance Performance Analyst to join our Finance team in Northampton on a permanent contract. You will be providing efficient, timely and accurate accounting support to the Financial Accountant and team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience in an accounts department to broaden their knowledge and gain new skills. You will need to be numerate have excellent communication skills, a keen eye for detail, flexibility, able to manage your own workload within deadlines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Main key areas:

• Assist in the preparation of a quarterly FRS102 & WIP forecast & qualification of previous year-end results.
• To collect, collate and validate net figures regarding year end calculations (FRS102/WIP)
• To prepare the year end FRS102 and WIP at cost for inclusion in the audited financial accounts as part of a team, and assist in the collection of data to support auditing requirements.
• Presentation of FRS102 quarterly & annual statements to Financial Accountant, Financial Controller & Finance Director
• To collaborate with LA’s on all aspects of WIP including the review of work in progress, client balances, outstanding disbursements and aged debt.
• Assist in the production of Cashier transaction reports
• Assist in the production of File Management transaction reports
• Assist in the production of data & prepare a presentation for Cashier Deep Dive meetings
• SLA monitoring of Bank Statement uploads and monthly reporting
• Ensuring all write-off requests (of unbilled time, disbursements and other charges) have been raised correctly by Legal Adviser’s / PA’s
• Ensuring write-off requests are processed in a timely manner by Legal Adviser’s and chase where appropriate.
• Preparation and maintenance of Finance risk register and review of practice standards
• Preparation, circulation and review of business timetable and organisational chart
• Monitoring & review of aged disbursements & reconciliation to ledgers
• To collaborate with LA’s on all aspects of WIP including the review of work in progress, client balances, outstanding disbursements and aged debt.
• Prepare Payment Practice and Performance reports for review and submission
• Cover for team on bank reconciliations and other shared tasks.
• Other ad-hoc tasks as necessary

Skills and qualifications:

• Applicant should be working towards accountancy qualification, with at least 5 years’ experience in accounting environment – preferable in a data analytical role
• Applicant should possess excellent numeracy skills
• Good level of IT literacy i.e.  Excel, Outlook, Word essential
• Knowledge of SAP would be an advantage.
• Positive with can do attitude
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Have the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to adapt and maintain high standards
• Organised with a neat and tidy approach to working practices
• Reliability, friendly and helpful approach
• Have a flexible approach to working practices
• Ability to work as part of a small local team but also the bigger Finance team.

Shoosmiths is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.