Partnership Accountant

The Vacancy The Firm Fieldfisher is an ambitious and growing European law firm providing commercial solutions across a range of industry sectors. Servicing an impressive client base that includes big name brands and international businesses, the firm has over 250 partners, 700 other lawyers and nearly 600 support staff across offices in the UK and Internationally. The firm's revenue for 2024/25 was over £360 million.

Responsibilities The role will sit within the accounts department in our Belfast office. The remit of the team is to support all non-tax 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 loans.

It will also involve assisting in the production of monthly management accounts, reconciliations of partner control accounts, regulatory financial requirements such as VAT returns and surveys, continued development of financial reporting and preparation of the firm's statutory accounts and supporting schedules ready for the annual audit. The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:
Manage partner distributions, earnings, and monthly drawings, ensuring accurate reconciliations, journals, statements, and timely payments. Oversee partner capital accounts, including annual capital contributions, loans, repayments, and account reconciliations. Act as the primary liaison with banks and legal advisers regarding partner capital loan arrangements and documentation. Own partner joiner, mover, and retiree processes, ensuring smooth onboarding and offboarding transitions. Prepare retirement calculations, resignation schedules, earnings confirmations, and financial reports for partners.

Manage and reconcile partner-related financial records, including benefits, CAF contributions, and general ledger accounts. Support the monthly management accounts process, collaborating with UK and international finance teams. Complete quarterly VAT returns and assist with year-end statutory accounts, audits, and partner reporting requirements. Drive continuous improvement of finance processes and internal controls, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and best practice. Serve as the main point of contact for partner profit, capital, and tax-related queries, while supporting ad hoc projects and analysis.

Key Skills & Experience Proven experience of working as a Management or Partnership Accountant Previous experience in a global organisation, preferably legal/professional services Must be a qualified accountant either ACA, ACCA or CIMA. Experienced with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and ability to adapt to unfamiliar software packages Good experience of seeking and implementing ways to improve on current processes Must have a conscientious, accurate and methodical approach to work Excellent written and oral communication skills, e.g. articulate when communicating to partners and key staff Can demonstrate strong relationship building skills with ability to deal with partners, fee earners and clients at all levels.

A team player with a flexible and pro-active approach to work with the ability to work autonomously Other Attributes Attention to detail Excellent planning and organising skills - able to handle multiple tasks Numerate Shows commitment to the role and team Pro-active mentality Displays a willingness to learn and actively seeks new work and challenges Takes personal responsibility for maintaining personal development Professional and credible in attitude and appearance Prepared to work overtime during peak periods Who are we looking for?

We don't have a…