Finance Analyst

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law.

Department/Role overview

The key to effective practice management requires strong financial discipline to help businesses not only cover their financial obligations but also to boost revenues.

The Finance Analyst is a key position which provides a link between the practice executives, fee earners and the financial management team.

The role focuses on client and matter administration, working capital management, pre-billing processes and to support end of month billing activity. The role is part of our Working Capital team based in Glasgow.

Main responsibilities

Work with Partners, lawyers, practice executives, clients and the financial management team to prepare timely and accurate invoices, involving, but not limited to:

• The review of WIP to support the matter billing process with the relevant lawyer/partner, monitoring pre-billing actions, support bill cancellations and credit notes
• Prepare draft bills, including supporting documentation (e.g. detailed time summaries, disbursement schedules) and final invoices
• Process bill cancellations and Credit Notes
• Client and matter system maintenance (e.g. addresses, currency, purchase order information etc.)
• Provide advice on VAT treatment, as well as ensure VAT and Solicitor accounts rules are checked on all bills raised.
• Client and matter system maintenance (e.g. addresses, currency, purchase order information etc.)
• Provide financial & client inventory reporting
• Review and ensure the accuracy of client charge rates and other matter specific financial information
• Time Edits, as well as Transfer and/or write off WIP as required
• Work with Legal Project Management team to manage the portfolio for the Practice Group
• Work with the financial management operations teams to support debt collection activities, attending regular calls with our credit control team
• Regular calls with E-billing team to track invoice statuses
• Support with trade flow matters and escalate budget issues
• Work closely with the Practice Head to ensure Work-In-Progress valuations are completed
• Work closely with the Finance function to investigate rejected invoices and ensure these have been submitted or re-issued, including regular calls with E Billing Team
• Point of contact for foreign counsel chasers
• Manage and track notary fees via our Luxembourg office.
• Provide global support for other finance teams as required.
• Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

• Previous experience working in the finance department of a law/professional services firm (preferable but not essential)
• Good level of technical ability in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of 3e or equivalent practice management system preferred
• Understanding of client needs as a provider of services
• Ability to work under pressure, deal with tight deadlines and demonstrates flexibility as required to perform the role
• Organised and methodical approach to work
• Good eye for detail
• Ability to complete set tasks with minimal supervision
• Good communicator, the ability to communicate orally or in writing, confident telephone manner, tactful and diplomatic when under pressurised situations
• Team player - the ability to work co-operatively and flexibly with other team members.

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.