The Finance and Accounting Department of Arnold & Porter has an opening for a Director of International Accounting in the London office. The Director will report to the firm’s Chief Financial Officer, with additional direction and support from the Managing Partner of the London office. This role has overall responsibility for the accounting operations of the London office, and other non-U.S. offices including Brussels, Shanghai, Seoul, and Amsterdam. Leadership and supervision of the following operations are core to the role: internal accounting controls, client billing and collections, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, bank reconciliations, client account maintenance, and tax and regulatory compliances. Several of the above duties will be performed in close collaboration with our U.S.-based Finance & Accounting peers.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Providing support to partners, directors, and managers in the non-U.S. offices. Interacting regularly with the centralized accounting function in Washington, DC on local issues. Identifying and overseeing the implementation of new procedures necessary for compliance of the firm’s accounting policies. Ensuring all firm’s accounting policies and procedures are regularly updated and complied with fully. Recommending and implementing changes and improvements in methods and procedures to higher level management. Developing, implementing, and upholding department and firm policies and procedures. Client Accounting
Monitoring and correctly accounting for client monies. Managing Law Society audits and other regulatory or compliance reporting. Ensuring all monthly balance sheet reconciliations are prepared and reviewed. Taxation
Ensuring all VAT regulations are adhered. Reviewing and submitting quarterly London and Brussels office VAT returns and EC sales listings. Reviewing and submitting the VAT 13th directive claim. Reviewing and submitting National Bank of Belgium quarterly returns. Handling VAT issues relating to client bills, liaising with internal/external tax professionals on more complex matters. Payroll (subject to review)
Sharing responsibility for supervision of non-US payrolls to external providers. Overseeing compliance reporting such as P35, P60, and P11D. Reviewing and submitting the annual PSA return to the tax monthly salary journals and compensation reconciliations. Pension
Preparing monthly pension contributions spreadsheets. Submitting pension contributions monthly. Money Laundering
Ensuring money laundering compliance for the firm. Training of new joiners. Handling full responsibility for client identification and record keeping. Treasury
Managing cash management and bank relationships. Coordinating with the Washington, DC office on all cash management issues. Staff Supervision and Management
Supervising client accounting staff in London and Shanghai providing guidance in the resolution of problems. Participating in the interviewing, selection, and training processes. Reviewing and evaluating the performance and work of staff; preparing performance evaluations, and recommending salary increases. Monitoring and approving staff attendance, time reports, and overtime. Qualifications:
A minimum of ten years of law firm financial experience or similar experience in a professional services industry. Four-year degree in Accounting, Finance, or a relevant course of study is required. An ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent qualification is also required. Extensive accounts payable and expenses experience. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., data manipulation and advanced formulas). Prior knowledge and experience working with Aderant, Elite Enterprise, 3E, or similar law firm specific accounting software. Proficient in a range of computer software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). The firm offers an excellent range of benefits, training, and development in order for you to succeed in your role.
We would ask that all interested candidates must submit their CV and cover letter by September 23, 2023, to: LDrecruitment@. Please apply as soon as possible, as applications will be considered upon receipt, we reserve the right to interview before the closing date.
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