Financial Controller

Job Description

Practice Group / Department: Financial Control Management - Newcastle Job Description Were Norton Rose Fulbright - a global law firm with over 50 offices and 7,000 employees worldwide. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. As well as the relevant skills and experience, werelooking for people who are innovative, commercial and value the work that they do. To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, have a sense of belonging, and realizetheir full career potential. We value difference and actively promote a culture of respect for each individual, encouraging and creating inclusion. Our new hybrid working model allows our people to have more flexibility in the way they choose to work fromboth the office and a remote location, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of service. We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies and provide access to programmes and services aimed at nurturing our people’s healthand overall wellbeing. The role is based in Norton Rose Fulbright LLP’s Newcastle Office and suits an experienced, qualified accountant who is capable of working independently to lead in Norton Rose Fulbright LLP’s finance function across Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) offices.Reporting to the Head of Financial Control, and with a new team of five, the role covers:

• Preparation of the EMEA Management Consolidation, including preparation of management reports;
• Preparation of the EMEA Statutory Consolidation, including managing the preparation of statutory accounts. In doing so the role is EMEA’s primary contact for external auditor across EMEA;
• UK financial and management accounting; and
• Supporting the accounting teams across EMEA offices

The RoleConsolidation, and Internal and External ReportingThe role has responsibility for the month end and statutory close processes.

• Monthly consolidated management accounts, including EMEA office profitability analysis, for the Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer
• Preparation of the annual statutory report of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, including subsidiaries and liaison with the auditors. In doing so the role will develop and manage the audit timetable, as well prepare papers for the Audit Committee
• Bank loan covenant “headroom” reporting
• EMEA Services Recharges (indirect recharging costs, mainly incurred in the UK, across EMEA offices)
• Accounting policies and guidance across EMEA (for example, the EMEA capitalisation policy)

A key element of the role is to develop the monthly management reports and office reporting, ensuring the information is easily accessible to users (including “self-service” reports) and commentary is more insightful. UK financial and management accountingThe role is accountable for leading the financial accounting for the UK offices (London and Newcastle) of EMEA. The UK offices are the largest offices in EMEA, and the role will deliver end to end accounting support including:

• Leading on all complex accounting matters and resolving issues as they arise (for example, revenue recognition in relation to new products and services developed)
• Prioritising financial accounting activities to ensure timely provision of accurate financial information to assist management in decision making.
• Managing the team to ensure all general ledger tasks are completed in accordance with the month end timetable (Our ERP system is SAP and closes on working day 4)
• Accountable for VAT returns, ensuring they are accurately completed and submitted on a timely basis
• Accountable for the completion of Balance Sheet Reconciliations, and identifying any risks and opportunities related to the Balance Sheet.

A key element of the role will be to develop the processes, procedures and systems used in the UK and across EMEA. In doing so the role will need to mentor and develop the UK financial accounting team, as well as working closely with EMEA finance teamsdeliver sustainable, EMEA wide accounting solutions. EMEAThe role requires coordination and coordination across 16 EMEA offices. Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating activity performed by other finance teams across Norton Rose Fulbright (including other EMEA and Global teams) to support the accurate completion of the EMEA Management Consolidation on working day 5.
• Leading the development of the chart of accounts in support of internal and external reporting.
• Maintaining and developing of inter office settlements and reconciliation processes

The role will need to develop strong communication links with non-UK offices in relation to accounting and reporting. The role will often be the focal point of questions from the non-UK finance teams, and, as well as providing advice, will often haveto lead on the solutions. Accountable ToHead of Financial Control (Newcastle)Accountable ForA team of five in Newcastle.Skills and Experience RequiredThe individual should:

• Enjoy working independently, taking full ownership of deliverables
• Be self-motivated and self-disciplined, passionate about meeting all deadlines
• Have excellent communication and influencing skills
• Be a good problem solver, methodical in approach with an “eye for detail”

Experience required:

• Qualified accountant with 5 years+ post qualification experience (essential).
• Strong technical accounting background, must have had responsibility for running international consolidation processes or have an expert understanding from auditing or building international consolidation processes (essential)
• Proven track record of managing teams to deliver against competing deadlines (essential)
• Communicating and coordinating with finance and non-finance professionals across international businesses (essential)
• ACA or equivalent qualified in Big 4 accountancy firm (desirable)
• SAP or Tagetik (or other corporate performance management) system experience (desirable)
• Working within a large professional services organisation (beneficial)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, have a sense of bel