Senior Accountant - Fixed Term Contract (14-16 Months)

About the role

Clifford Chance, a global law firm, is hiring a Senior Accountant in Sydney for a fixed-term contract of 14-16 months. The role supports all areas of finance, including financial and management reporting, tax compliance, budgeting and forecasting, with a focus on timely and accurate financial processes and reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and review journal entries, perform ledger, account and transaction analysis, conduct variance analysis, investigate trends and issues, and complete month-end close activities.
• Complete and review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure compliance with the firm's reconciliation and control framework and RACI.
• Support annual budgeting, six-monthly forecasting and other forecasting processes as required.
• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly and annual management, financial and group reports, liaising with the World Firm Finance team as needed.
• Ensure finance processes follow local and global firm policies, procedures, internal controls and authorisation requirements, acting as a first-level reviewer.
• Support tax compliance, including GST, Payroll Tax, FBT, Global Mobility and Income Tax, working with internal stakeholders and external advisors.
• Support external audits by resolving queries, coordinating supporting documentation and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Provide financial analysis and support for ad hoc finance projects and business initiatives.
• Coordinate the day-to-day relationship with the Global Shared Services Centre, including performance monitoring, process optimisation and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls and enhance efficiency, and perform other duties directed by the Finance Manager or Head of Finance.

Required profile

• CA or CPA qualified (or equivalent professional accounting qualification).
• Demonstrated experience in a Senior Accountant or similar role, including monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment is preferred but not essential.
• Exposure to tax compliance requirements (GST, Payroll Tax, FBT, Global Mobility, Income Tax) and knowledge of IFRS and external reporting is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with attention to detail, organisation and excellent written and verbal communication.

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, charts and data analysis.
• Oracle Financials or a similar ERP/accounting system is preferred.

The firm offers ongoing growth through formal training, coaching, mentoring, technical training and on-the-job learning. The position is listed as hybrid.