Finance Assistant

Main information

Experience level:

Entry level

Term type:

Permanent

Team:

Finance

Location:

Northampton or Manchester

The role

This role supports the delivery of Shoosmiths’ Strategy 2030 by providing high-quality financial analysis, reporting support and process execution within the Financial Control team. Working closely with the Group Financial Accountant, the role will contribute to accurate and timely financial reporting, strong financial control and continuous improvement of finance processes.

This is an entry-level opportunity suited to individuals starting their finance career or progressing from an administrative or accounting support role, with exposure to group reporting, modern finance systems and an international business environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting Support

Support month-end, quarter-end and year-end reporting processes

Assist with preparation of journals, accruals and prepayments

Support production of management and statutory reporting outputs

Financial Accounting

Perform balance sheet reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation

Support intercompany reconciliations and query resolution

Maintain accurate financial data across systems and entities

Systems & Process Support

Support SAP S/4HANA Cloud processes and data quality

Assist with process documentation and standardisation

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy

Analysis & Insight

Support variance analysis and reporting commentary

Assist in preparing data for budgeting and forecasting

Collaboration & Development

Work collaboratively with Finance teams

Build effective working relationships across the business

Actively engage in learning and professional development

Skills & Experience

Studying towards ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent (or willingness to study)

Degree or relevant experience in finance, accounting or business

Strong attention to detail and organisational skills

Good numerical and analytical capability

Proficiency in Excel; interest in finance systems and data tools

Strong communication and willingness to learn

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions. The Disability Confident scheme replaced the Two Ticks Positive about Disabled People scheme. We had been accredited as a two tick employer for many years - Disability Confident broadens and develops that original commitment, and demonstrates we have adopted a proactive approach to employing disabled people and developing their abilities.

As part of our accreditation, we commit to interviewing any applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for each vacancy. In some circumstances we may only be able to interview those that best meet the essential criteria due to the volume of applications received.

Further information on the Disability Confident scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability or long-term condition and would like to receive information in a different way, or need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team on Experienced.Hire@shoosmiths.com. We can consider your needs and requirements, and how we can assist you to apply for our roles. For example we can provide a copy of our application via email so that you can complete it using your own accessibility software.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Williams at Charlotte.Williams@shoosmiths.com