Partnership Accounting & Payroll Specialist

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Partnership Accounting & Payroll Specialist to join our Finance team
, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

The Partners' Affairs & Tax (PAT) team within Finance supports all 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 loan, partners' tax reserving and tax payments.

• Manage monthly payroll inputs into the Global Partner Payroll System, processing and reconciliations
• Review post-finalisation outputs such as BACs reports and payment instructions
• Prepare and post monthly payroll journals aligned with local office accounting
• Handle Partner queries via the payroll mailbox
• Prepare partner drawings statements and manage secure payslip distribution for former Partners
• Provide monthly currency cash‑flow information to Treasury and support cash‑flow forecasting

• Prepare key balance sheet reconciliations (drawings, current accounts, expat/FX/recharge accounts)
• Oversee the Partners' disbursement account, including reconciliations and balance management
• Support budgeting, cash‑flow planning and audit processes
• Assist with year‑end tasks including statements, journals and disclosures
• Contribute to system and process improvements across the team
• Provide support on ad‑hoc finance projects

• Proven ability to provide a high level of client service
• Professional manner in dealing with Partners' personal confidential information
• Ability to work effectively using own initiative and as part of a team
• Strong numeracy and IT skills, including knowledge of Windows, Excel, and Word and the ability to adapt to using unfamiliar software packages
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Enthusiastic and pro‑active
• Ability to assimilate large amounts of information and a strong eye for detail
• Strong time management skills, ability to prioritise, to evaluate financial information and to deliver on urgent requests
• Ideally a qualified/ part qualified accountant (or similar) with some experience in this niche area

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back‑up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should 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.

We 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.

If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.