WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Assists the Accounting Manager to support the firm’s Treasury function including the firm’s credit agreement, cross functional client trust process, global cash management, cash flow forecast, global payment processes, and banking relationships.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
- Assist with the firm’s global cash position including maintaining appropriate controls (internal and external) including accurate list of authorized signers, appropriate banking level controls such as positive pay, ACH debit block, post no checks and other fraud prevention controls available in the marketplace while ensuring proper design and effectiveness of segregation of duties at all times. Ensures Accounting Manager, Billing and Collections Director and Financial Controller are apprised as necessary.
- Assist with the administration of the firm’s global vendor payment systems. These responsibilities include ensuring an accurate and timely transmission of payment files to banking institutions, ensuring an efficient transmission schedule that minimizes fees and complies with various international banking rules and regulations. Responsibilities also include resolving returned items in a timely manner by liaising with the Accounts Payable team as necessary.
- Assists the Accounting Manager in maintaining the General Ledger including timely reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, month and year-end closes, and reviewing the trial balance to determine accuracy and reasonableness of financial data/transaction prior to issuance of financial reports.
- Assists in the annual audit process by providing audit documentation and preparing requested schedules for internal and external auditors. Works with the Accounting Manager to resolve audit findings and to ensure timely, successful completion of the audit.
- Provides significant problem solving and support to the Accounting Manager and Financial Controller, including issue/problem definition from both a business and financial perspective, developing, and analyzing feasible/realistic alternatives, identifying efficiency opportunities, and presenting recommendations
- Ensures accurate and timely invoicing of payment for debt and swap payments, unused and used revolver and letter of credit fees as well as annual administrative fees in accordance with the provisions of the firm’s credit agreement.
- Responsible for ensuring proper allocation of funds between the firm’s operating, accounts payable, interest-bearing money market account, and zero balance tax accounts. Responsibilities include mitigating risk of insufficient funds and maximizing interest income through accurate expense forecasting and timely transfers of funds.
- Responsible for various aspects of London general accounting and treasury duties including vendor, employee, and other disbursements, daily cashflow reports, and accounting for all bank activity.
- Maintain vigilance for the detection and prevention of fraudulent attempts on the firm bank accounts. This includes staying informed of current fraud trends and ensuring proper controls are in place and working effectively to prevent such fraudulent attempts against the firm’s bank accounts.
- Liaises with Accounts Payable group to maintain an efficient vendor payment process, monitor unclaimed property, research and resolve bank reconciliations issues, and oversees the impact of Accounts Payable activity on the firm-wide financial statements.
- Assist with the processing and execution of Partner Capital refund requests ensuring setup and execution of banking credentials while using judgement to assess risk of error or fraud with each request. Investigates and follows up with Partner Compensation and Tax as appropriate.
- Ensures that all foreign currency transactions are properly recorded in the General Ledger. Monitors and provides decision support to Accounting Manager regarding the impacts of foreign currency transactions on the firm’s financial performance.
- Reports to the Accounting Manager on developing policies and procedures to accurately record the financial position of the Firm. Applies principles of accounting to analyze documentation of financial transactions and preparation of reports. Ensures integration/coordination between financial data and budget data.
- Ensures the integrity of accounting data and adherence to accounting principles and controls, as well as compliance with applicable accounting standards and policy directives from the Management Committee.
- Assist with the accounting and transfer of monthly upload of Beijing transactions to Elite. Ensures proper funding levels of capital to local Beijing bank accounts. Coordinates with local Beijing personnel to provide Treasury support and assistance as necessary. Assists the Accounting Manager with ensuring compliance with Chinese accounting standards and reconciles financial statements prepared by third party accountants in Beijing. Assists Accounting Manager as needed in conjunction with the external audit of Beijing. Liaise with Tax Department as necessary to research and resolve Value Added Tax (VAT) issues.
- Responsible for the setup and ongoing maintenance of user access in the firm’s budget tool as well as training new users.
- Responsible for the allocation of various support costs and the monthly entry of these allocations into the general ledger.
- Support the firm’s day to day correspondence with the administrative agent (Citibank) of the banking syndicate.
- Assists in the development of financial reports using the Firm’s financial reporting system.
- Identifies and leads initiatives to reduce costs and improve processes within the General Accounting group.
- Backs up other members of the General Accounting team on GL/Treasury responsibilities, as necessary.
- Participates in or leads special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Required Skills
- Working knowledge of Treasury products including ACH, Wire Transfers, Bacs, SEPA, various international payments, NACHA Rules, Swap Contracts, Credit Agreements, Letters of Credit, Treasury Controls including Positive Pay, Debit Block, and Post-No-Checks
- Ability to identify and provide alternative solutions to complex problems directly related to the duties or skills described herein.
- Ability to train and guide others performing closely related or allied work.
- Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressure.
- Working knowledge of GAAP and/or applicable accounting standards.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively use PC-based and on-line technology, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software currently in use at WH.
- Knowledge of the relationship of the financial function to the overall operation and management of an organization.
- Ability to handle diverse tasks, perform financial analysis and to regularly prioritize tasks to respond to changing management needs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, as necessary to work effectively with people at all levels at WH.
- Ability to make routine decisions based on established policies and procedures, clear objectives, and business/professional standards.
- Good oral communication skills as necessary to communicate and coordinate with others on varied and occasionally complex iss
What you will bring/Your qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related discipline is required. CPA required.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 3 years experience directly related to the duties or skills described herein. Big Four Accounting Firm experience preferred.
Upon joining the firm new hires will go through our onboarding program and be paired with a staff mentor to help them acclimate to the firm. Additionally, there will be opportunities for new employees to take advantage of training and development, public service, and diversity and inclusion programs.
WilmerHale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability or veteran status, or other protected status.
Required Experience