Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Management Accountant to join our Finance team, based in A&O Shearman’s Belfast office, on a 12 month fixed term basis.n
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Financial Control team – Belfastn
nThe Belfast Financial Control Department provides services to the A&O Shearman network of offices covering management and financial accounting & reporting. Offices currently served are London, Belfast, Ireland, US, Middle East and Netherlands.n
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nThere is a strong client service ethic, and we work to Service Level Agreements, targets and deadlines to deliver in line with client expectations.n
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nThis role will primarily have a US focus and be based in Belfast.n

What you will do

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• Support in the preparation of the monthly management accounting for the US and other offices, including preparation and review of the P&L and balance sheet to agreed timetables.

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• Perform daily bank reconciliations, highlighting unreconciled items to other teams and escalating to senior team members when necessary.

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• Produce accurate monthly results, posting journals, reviewing costs, and ensuring all balances are fully supported, understood, and explained.

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• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations, investigate movements, resolve reconciling items, and ensure timely clearance of aged balances.

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• Prepare monthly variance analysis versus budget and forecast, clearly explaining key drivers, ensuring a timely and high-quality P&L signoff.

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• Support management team in the budgeting and forecasting cycles, by preparing high-quality budget assumptions built on measurable data

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• Ensure strong financial control, maintaining accurate data in finance and forecasting systems and adhering to internal control and accounting policies.

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• Contribute to the statutory and group audit process, preparing audit‑ready schedules, responding to queries, and supporting the year‑end close.

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• Identify and implement process improvements, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance the quality of management information.

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• Work closely with the Senior Management Accountants, Team Lead and Financial Control team, supporting wider finance initiatives and contributing to value‑adding analysis and insight.

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• Communicate financial information clearly and confidently to non‑finance stakeholders, adapting messages to suit the audience.

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• Manage competing priorities across month‑end, forecasting, and BAU activity, escalating issues early where delivery or quality may be impacted.

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What you will haven

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• Member of, or working towards becoming a member of, a recognised professional accounting body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with 1-2 years experience in a professional services or comparable environment.

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• Desirable – Ability to working partial US hours (12pm to 8.30pm GMT) several times per week (Monday to Thursday, with recognised Premium Hours Payment).

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• Demonstrates strong time management skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and adopt a flexible approach to meet tight reporting deadlines. Proven ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple tasks concurrently within a fast‑paced environment, responding effectively to shifting priorities and ad‑hoc management requests.

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• Ability to deliver high‑quality client service through the development of strong, trusted‑advisor relationships with key stakeholders, clients, and senior management.

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• Analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to develop meaningful, well‑reasoned points of view and provide clear, actionable insight.

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• Self‑motivated and solution‑driven, with the ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and consistently deliver work to a high standard.

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What we can offer youn
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nTo learn more about the culture and benefits available at A&O Shearman, please visit: Culture and benefits | A&O Shearman careersn
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nShould 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.n
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nWe 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.n
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nNO AGENCIES PLEASE – A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.