Job Description

Description

Pinsent Masons Vario is establishing a new office in Cape Town as part of its international growth strategy. The office will provide services under the firm's alternative delivery model to include flexible legal resourcing, legal project management, document review, consulting and managed legal services. The Senior Accountant will support the group Director of Financial Operations and UK central finance teams in establishing the local finance function, ensuring firm-wide policies and procedures are implemented effectively. This role requires the ability to work independently alongside strong collaboration with local and UK teams to deliver the set-up and establishment of the finance function.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is driven and is excited to embrace the opportunity to be part of a new team

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Treasury Team to manage cash flow and working capital, ensuring adequate funds are available. Review intercompany balances and process intercompany invoices as needed. Ensure all recorded time is captured at the point of billing. Support daily cashiering activities including the completion of daily bank reconciliations for offices within the Pinsent Masons network. Support the Treasury Team in liaising with the bank in relation to bank account maintenance, transactional processing, including foreign control requirements. Ensure all accounts payable invoices including any disbursement costs are promptly posted on receipt, allocation is correct, and narratives are comprehensive. Ensuring compliance with VAT regulations in relation to accounts payable. Reconcile monthly supplier statements and process payment schedules in accordance with the firm's standard protocol and local regulation. Maintain all data related to suppliers (address, payment terms, etc.) and liaise with suppliers when needed. Support the Travel & Expense Team with payment schedules and ensure ledger reconciliation, including VAT and payroll tax compliance. Responsible for the VAT filings, including compliance with local VAT regulations in relation to output and input purchase VAT recovery. Ensuring that VAT returns balance to the GL. Assist with SARs e-filings, document uploads and related administration. Regular review of the office trial balance ensuring all financial information is reported, reconciled and maintained in accordance with the firm's policies and procedures. Working with FR&C team to ensure all balance sheets reconciliations are completed. Working closely with the in-house tax team for all tax compliance matters relating to the Cape Town office. To support with the annual tax returns and associated tax payments. Support the FR&C team with the group annual audit requirements and the preparation and submission of any local annual statutory filings. Support the FR&C and FR&A teams with the annual budgeting and forecasting exercise in line with the office business and strategic plans. Assist with any ad hoc reporting or projects. Projects will generally be linked to process improvements and or automation. Keep abreast of any local financial topical issues and cascade topics of interest to relevant stakeholders. Develop (and deliver) finance induction training for all new team members. Provide support, advice and education to the local Cape Town team on a variety of finance related matters. Dealing with any ad hoc finance queries, liaison on Aderant, Emburse and itimekeep enquires.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Accounting qualification desirable Minimum of five years' experience in a large professional services organisation or a law firm undertaking a broad financial role Proven experience in establishing strong financial practices in new business environments Rigorous approach to complying with processes and authorisations Proven ability to work within a busy environment and meet frequent deadlines IT literate (Excel) with a knowledge of Aderant or Elite desirable Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent team player who is delivery focused with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within team Strong work ethic with a proactive and positive outlook Conscientious, methodical with excellent attention to detail Willingness to contribute ideas and participate actively in team discussions. Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in financial processes

Benefits

We offer a flexible benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and career growth, including medical aid, enhanced family and carers leave, paid professional subscriptions, bonus eligibility, pension contributions, flexible working options, and access to our global learning academy.

We want everybody attending an interview to be comfortable and able to fully demonstrate their experience and talents. If you require any additional support or adjustments to help you do this, please let us know.



Instant Impact is working in partnership with Pinsent Masons to recruit for roles in the Cape Town branch office. We are engaging with candidates and screening for the capabilities the firm is seeking, before submitting a shortlist to the firm.

About Instant Impact Recruitment

Pinsent Masons is a purpose-led professional services business with law at its core. We help clients navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. When it comes to our people, we believe that nothing about the career experience should be left to chance. That's why we're committed to continuously building something that is exceptional by design.