Partnership Accountant

The Firm

Fieldfisher is an ambitious and growing European law firm providing commercial solutions across a range of industry sectors. Servicing an impressive client base that includes big name brands and international businesses, the firm has over 250 partners, 700 other lawyers and nearly 600 support staff across offices in the UK and Internationally. The firm's revenue for 2024/25 was over £360 million.

For a confidential conversation please contact [email protected]

Responsibilities

The role will sit within the accounts department in our Belfast office. The remit of the team is to support all non-tax aspects of the firm's partnership accounting/partner finance function across the territories in which the firm operates. This includes the calculation and payment of partners' profit share (drawings & distributions), the management of partnership capital, and partnership capital loans. It will also involve assisting in the production of monthly management accounts, reconciliations of partner control accounts, regulatory financial requirements such as VAT returns and surveys, continued development of financial reporting and preparation of the firm's statutory accounts and supporting schedules ready for the annual audit.

The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:

Manage partner distributions, earnings, and monthly drawings, ensuring accurate reconciliations, journals, statements, and timely payments.

Oversee partner capital accounts, including annual capital contributions, loans, repayments, and account reconciliations.

Act as the primary liaison with banks and legal advisers regarding partner capital loan arrangements and documentation.

Own partner joiner, mover, and retiree processes, ensuring smooth onboarding and offboarding transitions.

Prepare retirement calculations, resignation schedules, earnings confirmations, and financial reports for partners.

Manage and reconcile partner-related financial records, including benefits, CAF contributions, and general ledger accounts.

Support the monthly management accounts process, collaborating with UK and international finance teams.

Complete quarterly VAT returns and assist with year-end statutory accounts, audits, and partner reporting requirements.

Drive continuous improvement of finance processes and internal controls, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and best practice.

Serve as the main point of contact for partner profit, capital, and tax-related queries, while supporting ad hoc projects and analysis.

Key Skills & Experience

Proven experience of working as a Management or Partnership Accountant

Previous experience in a global organisation, preferably legal/professional services

Must be a qualified accountant either ACA, ACCA or CIMA.

Experienced with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and ability to adapt to unfamiliar software packages

Good experience of seeking and implementing ways to improve on current processes

Must have a conscientious, accurate and methodical approach to work

Excellent written and oral communication skills, e.g. articulate when communicating to partners and key staff

Can demonstrate strong relationship building skills with ability to deal with partners, fee earners and clients at all levels.

A team player with a flexible and pro-active approach to work with the ability to work autonomously

Other Attributes

Attention to detail

Excellent planning and organising skills – able to handle multiple tasks

Numerate

Shows commitment to the role and team

Pro-active mentality

Displays a willingness to learn and actively seeks new work and challenges

Takes personal responsibility for maintaining personal development

Professional and credible in attitude and appearance

Prepared to work overtime during peak periods

Who are we looking for?

We don't have a type. We believe our differences are our strength; varied cultures, approaches and experience can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.

In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.

Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.

Modern Office Space: Located on Adelaide Street in Belfast City Centre, with excellent commuter links and parking nearby.

Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You'll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you'd like to study more closely.

Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion at Fieldfisher

At Fieldfisher, inclusion is central to how we work. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to succeed.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or once you join us, we will work with you to put the right support in place. Examples include extra time for assessments, accessible document formats, alternative interview formats, quiet rooms, or physical and technological accessibility support.

Please email [email protected], and your enquiry will be treated with the strictest confidence.

For information about the accessibility features of our Belfast office, please visit Fieldfisher Belfast Office Accessibility Information

What to do next:

Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV.

Successful applications will be invited to a 20–30-minute introductory call with a recruiter.

Every role recruits differently. But we'll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises.

For hybrid opportunities, you'll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting.

We try to make sure the process takes around 2-3 weeks only, but we can't always promise that. We will work around everyone's availability.

We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.

We are not a UK firm with offices in Europe. We are a European law firm at our core. While our HQ is London, we are spreading across Europe at pace. In addition to UK, China and Silicon Valley we have offices in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

With 28 offices across 14 countries, we work collaboratively with each of our offices to ensure our clients receive the best advice and support. You might expect an impersonal office culture, but you will find a homely, family feel even in the largest offices.

Quality on both sides

Across all our offices and jurisdictions are market-leading practices in corporate/M&A, finance, real estate, energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences.

We count as clients large corporations including major technology firms, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, energy suppliers, infrastructure companies, global banks and financial institutions.

We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. Applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role.