Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Working Capital Controller to join our Finance team, based in A&O Shearman’s London Office.

Finance team – London
The Working Capital team’s function is to maximise the speed with which work in progress (WIP) is turned into cash. The team is responsible for the whole working capital cycle (WIP, billing and cash collection) for all practice areas. The team is also responsible for the general housekeeping of WIP and the production of various reports for internal and external clients

What you will do
The Working Capital Controllers liaise with partners and fee earners in London to ensure bills are accurate, rendered on time and adhere to client agreements, Solicitors Accounts Rules and VAT regulations. The role has responsibility for controlling the office's "Work In Progress" and accounts receivable assets and ensuring that both partners and clients receive accurate and timely financial information. Each controller has a list of partners that they work with (normally 10-12 partners) and they will be responsible for controlling the whole working capital cycle for those partners.

Pricing & Financial Management

Support partners with matter profitability forecasting, budgeting, and pricing analysis.
Monitor client revenue, WIP, debtors, and overall working capital performance.
Identify risks and opportunities, providing regular reporting and financial insights.
Assist with matter profitability reviews and financial presentations.

Billing & Working Capital

Manage billing activities, including bill preparation, e-billing, write-offs, and billing adjustments.
Work closely with partners and finance teams to improve cash collection and reduce aged debt.
Monitor lock-up days, debtor balances, and client exposures, escalating issues where required.
Ensure accurate financial setup and maintenance of matters and billing profiles.

Business Partnering & Relationship Management

Build strong relationships with partners and become a trusted finance contact.
Collaborate with pricing, credit control, revenue, and e-billing teams to deliver efficient financial support.
Provide financial guidance for client and internal meetings.
Support the adoption of pricing tools and best practices across the business.

Projects & Reporting

Produce financial reports, client analyses, and ad hoc management information.
Contribute to finance improvement initiatives and special projects.
Support client reporting requirements, including accruals and discount calculations.

What you will have

Previous experience within a finance function is essential; working capital experience would be advantageous.
Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Proactive, organised, and committed to delivering high-quality service.
Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
Experience with legal practice management systems would be beneficial.

What we can offer you
To learn more about the culture and benefits available at A&O Shearman, please visit: Culture and benefits | A&O Shearman careers

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.

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 an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (i.e. three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.

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A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in nearly 30 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

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