Year end close and reporting
Responsible for the year end process to ensure a timely and accurate close
Responding the requests of external and internal auditors. Accountable for remediation of any relevant control/audit findings.
Local GAAP accounting
Responsible for the completeness and accuracy of local GAAP accounting.
Budgeting and Forecasting
Oversight of the annual budget process. Accountable for preparation of the overheads budget. Working closely with Practice Group Performance team who are accountable for the Practice Group budgets and with the Global FP&A team who are accountable for the Business Services budgets.
Oversight of full year re-forecasts as requested by Global Finance.
Partners, Partner Taxes and Partnership Accounting
Reviewing partner drawings and distribution payments. Reviewing distribution statements.
Responding to ad hoc partner queries
New partner finance induction
Liaison with partners, the Global Tax Team, external tax advisor in relation to partner tax returns
Supporting partners with responding to any tax audit queries
Cash, Banking and Bank relationships
Lead relationships for Freshfields with local banks
Approving bank payments
Review of 13 week cash flow liquidity forecast and 12 month rolling cashflow
Liaison with the Global Treasury team to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet regional needs.
Other Finance tasks
Reviewing monthly payroll.
Calculation of associated payroll balances, such as gratuity/DEWS provisions / payments as required by local regulations.
Management of local audits (Bahrain, Abu Dhabi ICV, UAE and KSA).
Overview of local billing team alongside Global Matter Support colleagues, including implementation of required eBilling solutions.
Responsible for regional intercompany accounting
Approving expenses and payments.
Taxes
Liaison with the external advisors in relation to corporate tax/Zakat.
Responsible for review of VAT returns and ensuring timely submission.
Responsible, alongside colleagues in Global tax, for development of regional transfer pricing policy and associated recharges
Compliance with other tax regulations and development of processes for changes in tax regulations as relevant
Risk management and compliance
Ensure compliance with global management accounts policies
Own the cost and expense policies and monitor correct implementation
Ensure adequate controls are designed, implemented and operating effectively across relevant finance processes
Ensure all relevant license renewals, AML returns, and other statutory and statistical returns are completed as required by local laws and regulations
Innovation and continuous improvement
Keeping abreast of technology and other advancements in Global Finance processes
Applying a continuous improvement mindset and driving further automation and other initiatives which improve efficiency and control
Identify and implement further automation
Local Subject Matter Expert for Firmwide strategic projects
Other stakeholders
The suppliers of the firm to negotiate/renew contracts in close collaboration with the respective budget owners such as Office Managers and functional heads (i.e. printers, mobile phones, reception and cleaning services, energy, etc.)
landlords for any premises related issues in collaboration with the facility services colleague
the external providers for H&S at work
Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)
Essential
A qualified accountant with extensive experience of statutory and regulatory frameworks and obligations across the MENA region (UAE, KSA, Bahrain)
Demonstrable experience of effectively managing and developing teams
Proven ability to communicate and influence across all levels, including developing effective relationships with external stakeholders
Business fluent language skills in English
Desirable
Professional Services or Legal industry experience
Experience of working as a customer of Global Shared Services
A basic understanding of a Legal and Finance Systems, ideally the Intapp suite and Elite 3e
