Freshfields

Financial Control Accountant

Freshfields  •  Brussels, BE (Onsite)  •  1 month ago
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Job Description

The Global Finance function ensures robust financial control across our global operations, whilst partnering with the firm as a valued commercial advisor, influencing strategic decision making and driving long term profitable growth for the firm

We achieve our vision with all our people working collaboratively with a shared culture and identifying themselves as part of one inclusive Global Finance team.

As part of the Global Finance Control team, you will have the following key areas of responsibility:

  • Processing transactions and providing first level control and analysis via reconciliations and month end close adherence
  • Working collaboratively with the shared services AP and Record to Report teams to deliver local and management accounts within 3E and ensuring that balances are fully reconciled
  • Acts as the primary finance point of contact for the local office, partnering closely with the Finance Manager, Office Managing Partner and COO for budgeting/forecasting, cost analysis and control
  • Delivering all locally required governmental and statutory submissions and declarations (such as tax returns or governmental surveys) accurately and as per the required deadlines.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

  • Accurate and timely month end close
  • Preparation of general ledger journals including accruals, prepayments and provisions
  • Balance sheet reconciliation for allocated GL accounts, supporting wider team to ensure accuracy of postings and compliance with firm policy and controls framework
  • Fixed Asset accounting, ensuring assets are recognised, depreciated and written off appropriately
  • Creation, reconciliation and submission of all statutory, regulatory and compliance obligations, ensuring that all submissions can be supported and we are able to promptly answer all queries from the authorities and auditors.
  • Ensure that any changes to local statutory and regulatory frameworks are highlighted in good time and, where required, accounting processes amended to ensure compliance
  • To support office/regional managing partner(s), COO and local business service teams with budgeting/forecasting and variance analysis, as well as ad-hoc financial analysis for locally specific requirements. Ensure all risks and opportunities are flagged promptly.
  • Support delivery of Finance projects as required and champion continuous improvement to support the delivery of the firm and function strategy

Key requirements

Essential

  • Belgian accounting qualification, with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant professional experience.
  • Qualified accountant (or equivalent relevant professional experience).
  • Strong experience with Belgian statutory accounting and local bookkeeping requirements.
  • Language requirements : Excellent command of French or Dutch (equivalent to native), with full English proficiency and good working knowledge in the other national language.
  • Ability to engage confidently with senior non finance stakeholders, translating financial insight in a business context.
  • Highly organised and detail oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
  • Collaborative mindset, embracing change, development and continuous learning

Desirable

  • Experience within professional services or the legal sector
  • Exposure to legal finance systems, ideally Thomson Reuters Elite 3E and the IntApp suite.
  • Experience of Belgian VAT and Corporate Income Tax
  • Knowledge in designing and developing financial reporting tools and dashboards to support decision making
Freshfields

About Freshfields

Freshfields is a global firm with over 280 years’ experience of anticipating change, setting new standards and shaping the future of law. In a complex world where new opportunities evolve quickly, we are a trusted, forward-thinking partner who can give clients the edge and help propel their ambitions.

At Freshfields we are steadfast champions of our clients—that’s why leading global companies turn to us when it matters most. We are proud to be recognised as a top-tier leader in the practice areas most important to clients around the world today.

We bring bold thinking, deep expertise and the latest capabilities to help clients make critical decisions, prepare for new opportunities, and tackle unprecedented matters. When opportunities stretch across borders, we connect clients with experts and advisors from across our global team.

We are deeply committed to making a positive impact for our clients, our communities and the people we serve, and we are transparent about our efforts to drive change.

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Freshfields has offices in Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America and Vietnam.

Industry
Legal & Compliance
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
London, GB
Year Founded
1743
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