Deputy Group Financial Controller - #1695267

9691BR

Finance

United Kingdom - Belfast

Hybrid (combination of office & remote working)

Job description

Department Purpose
Achieving the firm’s strategy requires a world class Finance department to work with the decision makers.  Our teams add value through the services provided, managing compliance and providing information and insight. This is achieved by having a collaborative and high performing team that builds relationships with the Partners and other decision-makers in the firm so that they trust us to advise them on commercial, financial and technical matters.

Role purpose
One of two Senior Managers in the Group Financial Control Team who are responsible for delivery of financial and management accounts for the Group and to the Firm leadership. Ownership of financial policies, the audit and year end process as well as the month end close and reporting. Technical experts within the Finance team, available to provide advice and support to finance globally. Leader and manager of a team and part of the Head and Senior Manager leadership team within Group Finance.

Role and responsibilities 
Lead the team to deliver month-end group consolidation and reporting to a five working day deadline, including:

• Production of month-end reports for the Group and each practice group and office globally


• Reconciliation of critical balances, including multi-currency GL accounts for global inter-office accounts.


• Monthly accounting checks on balance sheet accounts of all group entities that represent key risk of misstatement of financial results. Maintenance of month-end processes and procedures to ensure smooth and timely operation


• Analytical review of monthly office results to understand trends, significant transactions and identify errors


• Preparation of high quality regular and ad hoc financial information, applying critical evaluation and making recommendations suitable for senior management including the Board and Audit Committee


• Production of weekly key financial information reports for the leadership team and respond to adhoc requests


• Assess the impact of new/changes in accounting standards to the Group and implement across the network


• Draft technical accounting papers, leading on thought leadership and working with the auditors and Group CFOs.


• Train and mentor accountants across the network to deliver the required submissions for Group purposes


• Ownership of the processes and controls across the Group, including:


• Lead the development of processes for increased efficiencies and value added tasks for the team and wider finance function.


• Manage system/process upgrade projects, including testing, training and documentation.


• Strategically managing and identifying changes and improvements of the control environment of the Group.

• The operational management and strategic planning of the inter-company for the group 


• Managing the preparation of inter-company invoices to support cross-border transactions in accordance with UK and overseas tax requirements in the jurisdictions where A&O Shearman operate


• Managing the settlement of balance in accordance with fiscal requirements by jurisdiction and to minimize FX


• Ensuring intercompany transactions are compliant with global transfer pricing policies


• Working with the Global Treasurer to determine how individual businesses are funded and how to manage cash in relation to inter-company settlement and balances


• Design and implement inter-company policies and procedures


• Build and maintain relationships with Finance staff in all A&O Shearman offices and across departments within the Belfast office. Support the Finance network by answering accounting or policy/process questions and act as an adviser on technical accounting issues; being able to debate and rationalise technical points and decisions.


• Develop and maintain processes for increased efficiencies and value added tasks for the team and wider finance function.


• Be a functional subject matter expert on system projects relating to management information including: design testing, training and documentation


• Opportunity to be involved in various projects in an environment which is constantly evolving and seeking improvements 


• This position also involves ad-hoc work which needs to be responded to quickly and efficiently. This will often involve new areas of analysis that need to be coupled with insight on delivery

• Member of recognized accounting body with a number of years post qualification experience 


• Strong team leader and manager with a willingness to collaborate with others to achieve success as a team


• Requires a blend of financial expertise, stakeholder management and influencing, strategic acumen and ability to demonstrate thought leadership and agile approach to work


• Excellent communication skills and able to present and share financial information to non-financial professionals


• Self-motivated and solution driven, taking initiative and having a desire to get the job done


• Ability to work tight deadlines requiring excellent time management skills and ability to lead in difficult situations


• Strong IFRS knowledge and able to discuss technical accounting issues with senior stakeholders


• Thorough understanding of financial/management information systems and group structures.


• Experience in a finance function in an international and multi-currency environment an advantage