Accounts Assistant - #2169520

About the Role

Our client is a leading US law firm with a strong and growing London presence, widely regarded as one of the most progressive and well-structured finance functions in the legal sector. This is a fantastic entry point into legal finance, offering genuine breadth, real responsibility from day one, and a clear route into a long-term accounting career.

Whether you're a high-achieving graduate eager to launch your finance career, or someone with up to 12 months of experience in a similar role at a law firm or professional services organisation, our client wants to hear from you. Study support towards a professional accounting qualification is available, making this a role with serious long-term potential.

You'll work closely with the Assistant Accountant and Legal Cashier, supporting the financial operations of the firm's London and European entities across a wide range of accounting, compliance and reporting responsibilities.

What You'll Be Doing

• Process quarterly interest due on client accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance at all times
• Assist with new accounting system implementations, including participating in user acceptance testing and supporting training activities
• Prepare accounting journal entries across the firm's multi-entity books
• Provide cover for the Accounts Payable function during peak periods or absences as required
• Assist with the preparation of VAT returns and other financial and tax analyses as needed
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations for specified accounts and follow up on any outstanding items promptly
• Complete monthly and quarterly Office for National Statistics returns
• Arrange client account payments and office-to-client account transfers under appropriate supervision
• Prepare annual financial statements in line with UK Financial Reporting Standards
• Support the statutory audit process by collating relevant documentation and liaising with external auditors
• Complete bank reconciliations across both office and client accounts
• Assist with the firm's annual SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules audit
• Work across billing, accounts payable and the wider business to support compliance with SRA requirements
• Take on additional ad hoc duties as the role and team evolve

What We're Looking For

Our client is genuinely open on background. You may be:

• A strong graduate with outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, a degree from a Russell Group university, and a keen interest in building a career in accounting and finance, OR
• An early-career professional with up to 12 months of experience in a finance or accounts role within a law firm or professional services environment

In either case, you'll need to demonstrate:

• A strong academic foundation, particularly at A-Level or equivalent
• Enthusiasm for studying towards a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Excellent attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence using Microsoft Excel, and a willingness to engage with technology including generative AI tools
• A proactive, positive and collaborative approach to work
• Good team-working skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with a legal practice management or finance system (prior experience with a legal finance platform would be an advantage, though full training will be provided)
• Awareness of SRA Accounts Rules or exposure to a regulated finance environment

Why Join

This role offers far more than a standard entry-level finance position:

• Study support towards a recognised professional accounting qualification is available, with the firm actively investing in the development of its finance team
• You'll gain exposure to a wide range of accounting, tax, compliance and reporting activities across multiple legal entities
• Our client is a leading international law firm with the infrastructure, culture and ambition to help you grow

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you know someone who would be great at this role, why not take advantage of our referral scheme? We offer £200 in shopping vouchers for every referred candidate who we place in a role. Terms & Conditions Apply.