Senior Accountant, Sydney (14-16 Months Fixed Term Contract)

Who We Are

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people. Our culture is collaborative and inclusive— where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment. We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets. You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines. Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.

The Role

You will be responsible for supporting all areas of finance, including financial and management reporting, tax compliance, budgeting and forecasting, with a focus on ensuring timely and accurate financial processes and reporting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and review journal entries, perform ledger, account and transaction analysis, conduct variance analysis, investigate trends and issues, and complete month-end close activities.
• Complete and review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure compliance with the firm's reconciliation and control framework and RACI.
• Support the annual budgeting, six-monthly forecasting and other forecasting processes as required.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual management, financial and group reporting, liaising with the World Firm Finance team as required.
• Ensure finance processes are performed in accordance with local and global firm policies, procedures, internal controls and authorisation requirements, acting as a first-level reviewer to ensure accuracy, completeness and validity.
• Support the delivery of tax compliance requirements, including GST, Payroll Tax, FBT, Global Mobility and Income Tax obligations, through coordination with internal stakeholders and external advisors.
• Support external audits through timely resolution of queries, coordination of supporting documentation and escalation of issues where appropriate.
• Provide financial analysis and support for ad hoc finance projects and business initiatives.
• Coordinate the day-to-day relationship with the Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC), including service performance monitoring, review of work outputs, process optimisation, remedial action where required, and collaboration on reporting and analysis activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls and enhance operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Finance Manager or Head of Finance.

Your Experience

• CA or CPA qualified (or equivalent professional accounting qualification).
• Demonstrated experience in a Senior Accountant or similar role, including responsibility for monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting.
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment is preferred but not essential.
• Exposure to tax compliance requirements, including GST, Payroll Tax, FBT, Global Mobility, Income Tax and related reporting obligations.
• Knowledge of IFRS and external reporting requirements is preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, charts and data analysis.
• Experience using Oracle Financials or a similar ERP/accounting system is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• To be successful in this role, you will be a collaborative team player who can also work autonomously with excellent judgement and a sharp eye for detail, including:
  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to strict financial accuracy.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

How we will support you

From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and development your skills and knowledge. From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to skills-based and technical training and on the job learning.

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment. We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement. Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. Find out more about our inclusive culture here.

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