Accountant

The Role

You will be responsible for the Finance function in the Middle East office and notably:

• An accountant as part of the Middle East finance team in the accounting & reporting domain to provide focus on budgeting control and analysis
• Work closely with the Senior Accounting Manager / Accounting Manager (Middle East) and as part finance team streamline our accounting & finance processes across the region and roll out best practices, including the leveraging of our operational hub in India

Key Responsibilities

Improve Accounting & Reporting Discipline within Middle East

Commercial Performance:

• Closely monitor cash-flow positions and timely settlements of invoices. To arrange for inter-company funding transfers as necessary.

Accounting / Bookkeeping:

• Support the central Hub in India for timely completion and submission of monthly/quarterly/yearly accounts as per Group's closing timeline.
• Perform monthly actual vs budget/forecast analysis and comment on the drivers for variances.
• Identify management accounts to statutory accounts adjustments and prepare the annual financial statements in compliance with Local GAAP.
   

Control & Governance:

• Ensure all required controls in operational process are adhered to in compliance with Group's policies and procedures.

Simplify and modernise our operations

• Ensure the finance function works effectively with Senior Accounting Managers, Financial Controllers and Heads of Finances
• Strengthen performance across matter life cycle, marrying local relationships with support for routine tasks from the global hub (in India).

Adhere to Robust Risk Governance

• Our clients and the Firm are working in increasingly more regulated environments. A broad cohort of stakeholders expect us to deliver to high professional standards in all aspects of our work from provision of legal advice and matter management, to how we manage our own Firm. As an Accountant one is expected to maintain and evolve robust financial and other compliance procedures.

Innovation and New Opportunities

• Work with the Firm's technology and data function teams to explore areas of interest including automation and feasibility of emerging AI-powered solutions.

Talent Development  

• Encourage collaboration amongst the team and with other colleagues in the Firm; maintain the active support of Middle East as members of the One Finance communities and regional initiatives.
• At all times promote and expect from the Finance team the behaviours described under the Firm's Code of Conduct.      

Your experience

This presents an opportunity to be involved in a hands-on role involved in critical Finance function of a global professional services firm.

Desired Experience

• You will have successful and solid experience in a similar role with a demonstrable track record in running a finance function in the professional services industry.
• Whilst an experience of working in the legal sector is not necessary, the skill of working effectively in a consensus-based partnership structure and culture is preferred.
• You will be proactive and have meticulous attention to detail.
• You will have demonstrable experience in being a part of motivating high- performing, diverse teams.
• You are able to ensure the Firm meets local statutory requirements and compliance with Middle East Tax, IFRS and SRA Rules.
• Awareness and knowledge of international tax issues in the context of a global firm in the professional services sector would be an advantage.
• Experience of working in a leadership role within a global organisation which is navigating change would be advantageous.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional analytical and numerical skills, with a strong ability to analyse numerical information and data, and spot trends.
• The intellectual rigour and insight to be credible with a highly intelligent and experienced group of the Senior Accounting Managers / Accounting Managers.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Clear and effective writing, presentational and verbal communications skills. Practical, commercially minded and service driven with a "can do" attitude and hands on approach.
• Good judgement and a skill in identification and prioritisation of added value and strategic tasks.
• The ability to work effectively and co-operatively with senior internal and external stakeholders.

Qualification

•     Qualified Accountant or similar financial based qualification is necessary.

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here

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