Accounting Operations Analyst

Job title:

Accounting Operations Analyst

Company

Baker McKenzie

Job description

The Accounting Operations Analyst will provide onsite support for financial services and assist with the daily activities related to Procure-to-Pay (PTP) processes to ensure the end-to-end financial processes are managed efficiently in coordination with Specialist and Service Center teams. This includes monitoring the execution of standardized and streamlined Procure-to-Pay (PTP) processes for the market by the Service Centers, including recording of accounting transactions, trust accounting, cost and fee allocations, accounts payable, vendor management, reconciliations, reporting, and execution of the month-end closing process.This role is heavily focused on coordinating the intake, billing, and collection efforts of the shared service centers. The role-holder will serve as the primary point of contact for the end-to-end Intake Billings Collections (IBC) process from new client/matter intake to collections, focusing on reducing lock-up and improving cash flow and realization. They will serve as the single point of contact between Billing Partners and centers and the finance technical support teams, strategic pricing, and other stakeholders such as practice group business managers.Responsibilities:Procure-to-Pay:

• Review and final validation of all requests processed for ACH, Check, and wire transfer payments
• Ownership of daily banking operations including preparation of deposit slips, backup record keeping, and completion of bank deposits.
• Review, analyze, and reconcile month-end GL balances of Cash
• Review necessary reports of Advance, Deposit, and Accounts Payable accounts
• Review, suggest, and facilitate implementation of P2P process improvements with guidance from P2P Global Process Owner
• Maintain solid knowledge and understanding of the entire Accounts payable end-to-end process to ensure that invoices are processed and paid accurately within the agreed timeline and are compliant with local regulations and statutory requirements
• Provide backup support for office accounting activities such as vendor payments, expense reimbursements; journal entries, account reconciliations and adjustments; Principal payments, and payroll processing
• Assist with ensuring compliance with the Global credit card program is upheld with extremely high levels of compliance, including processes related to expense reimbursements through Firm systems and within the agreed SLAs
• Process external vendor invoices and expense report reimbursements in SAP. This includes requesting authorization/approval, and data validation to check the accuracy and completeness of details before posting and processing journal entries (when necessary)
• Support the leadership on firm-wide initiatives including annual and ad-hoc projects

Intake, Billings, Collections:

• Coordinate monthly billing plans with Centre personnel to ensure that WIP inventory is billed at the appropriate time (e.g., monthly, at closing for transactions, as interim bills are paid, etc.) and serve as the in-market point of escalation for Centre personnel as needed on WIP and billing issues
• Work with the Pricing Specialist to ensure that all financial terms as agreed with the client are reviewed and recorded for use in intake and billing processes; Such terms include pricing arrangements, payment terms, and other client-specific requirements (e.g., budgets and accruals)
• Review new matters to ensure that the tax treatment is properly identified and applied
• For in-market supported clients – follow up new and revised budgets with lawyers; ensure that accruals and other client reporting are completed as required
• Handle escalations for collections issues and dispute management

Success factors:

• Become proficient in agreed P2P systems and tools within 3 months of appointment. Proficiency to be demonstrated through measurement to agreed standards
• Act as the in-market steward of the end-to-end IBC process by understanding all aspects of the relevant processes, policies, and tools
• Deliver agreed outcomes to agreed timeframes
• Collaborate constructively with stakeholders and PBS teammates. Engagement effectiveness is to be measured by feedback from in-market stakeholders and Centre leaders
• Guide lawyers and other in-market personnel to address process issues as they arise; coordinate as needed with Centre personnel or IBC Service Owners and
• Centre leadership to resolve process or capacity issues
• Additional duties as assigned

Skills and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree or relevant experience focusing on financial management, accounting, or other related areas
• Experience in Finance Operations and/ or Finance Shared Services in a professional services organization is preferred
• Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders regarding finance processes, guidelines, and compliances
• Demonstrated expertise in operational efficiency and financial accounting. Strong in project management and systemic thinking
• Demonstrated ability to assess risk and take decisive, appropriate actions, especially in the case of exception requests
• Able to network and collaborate with teams both regional and global, while acknowledging their cultural, social, and academic diversity
• Proficient in using MS Office and other Productivity Tools

Expected salary

Location

Canada

Job date

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:25:20 GMT

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