Balance Recruitment Ltd
Lead Accountant

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Lead Accountant, Europe
Up to £80,000 plus excellent benefits
30 days’ holiday
St Paul's - London | Three days in the office
A newly created opportunity has arisen within a major international law firm following continued expansion across Europe.
This is a broad accounting role covering financial accounting, statutory reporting, management reporting, controls and tax compliance across a number of European and international offices.
Working closely with the Director of Finance for Europe and Asia and the Manager of International Accounting, you will take ownership of complex accounting work and help ensure that reporting and compliance requirements are met accurately and on time.
The position offers considerable scope, visibility and responsibility for an experienced accountant ready to take the next step in their career.
This is an individual contributor role with no line management responsibility.
Key responsibilities
- Prepare and review account reconciliations, investigating and resolving reconciling items
- Produce management reporting, variance analysis and ad hoc financial reports
- Maintain accurate accounting records for selected international offices
- Support the preparation of statutory accounts, tax return materials and audit deliverables
- Liaise with external advisers and auditors where required
- Prepare VAT calculations and supporting documentation for European offices
- Monitor statutory, tax and VAT compliance deadlines
- Review internal controls over financial reporting and recommend improvements
- Keep up to date with relevant accounting standards, tax legislation and regulatory changes
- Work with finance colleagues across Europe and Asia to prepare accounting and compliance materials
- Support Pillar Two reporting
- Contribute to projects including new office openings, process improvements, system enhancements and finance transformation initiatives
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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What they are looking for
The firm is seeking a qualified and experienced accountant with a strong background in financial accounting, controls and reporting.
Ideally, you will bring:
- A professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA
- Experience of financial accounting, statutory reporting, audit or tax compliance
- The confidence to take ownership of complex reconciliations and reporting requirements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems and large data sets
- Clear communication skills and the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders
- A highly organised and accurate approach, with the ability to manage competing deadlines
- Experience gained within professional services or a partnership environment


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Why consider this opportunity?
This is a genuine opportunity to step into a senior and visible accounting position within a growing international firm.
The breadth of the role will give you exposure to financial reporting, statutory accounts, controls, audit, tax compliance and international projects, while working closely with senior finance stakeholders.
The package includes a salary of up to £80,000, 30 days’ annual leave and an attractive benefits package. The firm also offers a friendly and collaborative working environment, with three days in the office each week.
Interested?
Contact Becky Bradley at Balance Recruitment for an informal and confidential discussion, or apply now if your CV is ready.
If you have not updated your CV yet, please do not let that prevent you from getting in touch. We can help with that.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all abilities, backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.
If you require any adjustments or additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
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