Assistant Accountant

Fox Williams offers a different career lifestyle to that of many of our much larger competitors.  The quality of our work is extremely high and the standard of our lawyers (associates) and support staff is equal to that of any major City firm. As a smaller firm, we also consider ourselves to be far more personal and friendly.  You will quickly get to know everyone from the Senior Partner to the most junior staff.  Many of our staff join us from top firms for that very reason. As a general rule, we look for a very strong academic background coupled with good relevant experience. 

Provision of accounting support to the Financial Controller.

The role would suit someone who is currently studying towards an accounting qualification, such as AAT or equivalent, and commitment to completing these exams is important.

The key task set out below are by no means exhaustive and there is scope for the role to broaden with experience.

Prior experience in a law firm is not essential. The attributes we are looking for are an eagerness to learn, conscientiousness, attention to detail and an aptitude for problem solving.  A flexible, supportive and co-operative approach to work is a key requirement.  Likewise, a positive attitude is also prerequisite.  The successful candidate will be expected to display teamwork and, should the need arise, a willingness to work overtime when the needs of the Firm so dictate.

Accounting

• Calculation and posting of standard month end accounting journals (prepayments, accruals etc)
• Maintenance of Fixed Asset Register and calculation and posting of depreciation journals
• Preparation of monthly profit and loss account , including investigation of variances against budget
• Preparation of the Firm’s Weekly Pack which provides financial KPIs for the last week and year to date
• Preparation of partners’ monthly fees report

Other Tasks

• Preparation of ad-hoc reports on financial performance as required by the Financial Controller e.g. analysis of matter billing and profitability
• Completion of Surveys, e.g. for the Office for National Statistics as well as legal-industry specific.
• Preparation of schedules as a part of a file to be handed to the auditors for the LLP’s annual statutory audit. Assistance with answering queries as they arise during the audit.
• Completion of ad-hoc tasks for the Financial Controller in assisting the Cashiering Supervisor and Credit Controller with their duties.
• Developing a good knowledge of the new time recording system in order to assist the Cashiering Supervisor with the resolution of issues.
• Assisting the Financial Controller with improvements and updates to financial policies and procedures.

Managing Yourself

• Self-motivated and able to organise own work with supervision.
• Copes effectively in demanding circumstances
• Good time management, adopting a flexible approach to work and a willingness to work overtime when the needs of clients or the firm so dictate
• Demonstrates persistence and commitment to completing tasks and objectives
• Pays attention to detail and quality of work
• Demonstrates a commitment to improving working practices and supports company plans and policies

Working with People

• Ability to build and maintain working relationships with others and is seen as ‘approachable’
• Operates effectively as part of a team, including providing limited cover in times of team absences
• Willing to offer help to all colleagues to ensure company success
• Demonstrates sound judgement and good decision making when dealing with problems, including looking for solutions to new problems
• Knows when to seek guidance or further input from others before taking action

Communication Skills

• Able to express oneself both orally and in writing in a clear and constructive way
• Willing to ask questions, listen to others’ views and accept advice
• Willing to contribute ideas and seek improvements
• Good internal client- handling skills, both by telephone and face-to-face