Job Description

Job description
We have an exciting opportunity for a Partnership Accounting & Payroll Specialist to join our Finance team, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.
Finance - Partners' Affairs and Tax team - Belfast
The Partners' Affairs & Tax (PAT) team within Finance support all aspects of the firm's partnership accounting/partner finance function across the territories in which the firm operates. This includes the calculation and payment of partners' profit share (drawings & distributions), the management of partnership capital and partnership capital loan, partners' tax reserving and tax payments.
What you will do
Partner & Retired Partner Payroll

• Manage monthly payroll inputs into the Global Partner Payroll System, processing and reconciliations
• Review post-finalisation outputs such as BACs reports and payment instructions
• Prepare and post monthly payroll journals aligned with local office accounting
• Handle Partner queries via the payroll mailbox
• Prepare partner drawings statements and manage secure payslip distribution for former Partners
• Provide monthly currency cash-flow information to Treasury and support cash-flow forecasting

Partner Accounting

• Prepare key balance sheet reconciliations (drawings, current accounts, expat/FX/recharge accounts)
• Oversee the Partners' disbursement account, including reconciliations and balance management
• Support budgeting, cash-flow planning and audit processes
• Assist with year-end tasks including statements, journals and disclosures
• Contribute to system and process improvements across the team
• Provide support on ad-hoc finance projects

What you will have

• Proven ability to provide a high level of client service
• Professional manner in dealing with Partners' personal confidential information
• Ability to work effectively using own initiative and as part of a team
• Strong numeracy and IT skills, including knowledge of Windows, Excel, and Word and the ability to adapt to using unfamiliar software packages
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Enthusiastic and pro-active
• Ability to assimilate large amounts of information and a strong eye for detail
• Strong time management skills, ability to prioritise, to evaluate financial information and to deliver on urgent requests
• Ideally a qualified/ part qualified accountant (or similar) with some experience in this niche area

What we can offer you
We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.
We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at and submit your CV to our to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.
Area of expertise
Finance
Working pattern
Full time
Job code
Officer/Specialist
Job family
Support
Additional information - External
A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.
We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.
Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.
Working arrangement
Hybrid (combination of office & remote working)

Skills Required