Finance Officer

Introduction: Who are we? Gilchrist Connell is a leading national law firm operating across all Australian jurisdictions from its five offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. In recognition of our excellence in the insurance sector, Australasian Lawyer named Gilchrist Connell as the 2023 Insurance Specialist Firm of the Year. We believe that partnering with sophisticated clients on high quality work and enjoying a rewarding personal life should not be mutually exclusive. In 2024, for the fifth consecutive year, Gilchrist Connell is one of only 31 firms recognised as an Australasian Lawyer Employer of Choice. Certified as a Family Friendly Workplace and Great Place to Work, we adhere to best practice in supporting employees to meet their work, family and wellbeing needs. The firm has a genuinely positive work culture, built on transparency in feedback, supportive flexible working practices, leading employee support programs and benefits. What do we offer you?

• A culture built by real people committed to each other and their clients’ success! Our firm has a collegiate buzz and is growing in response to client demand.
• Access to an experienced team of lawyers at different levels who are dedicated to helping you learn and grow in your role and to provide support while you do so
• Flexibility to manage your time. Be efficient, get your work done, and go enjoy your personal life.
• Responsibility for and meaning in your work.
• A truly diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people can flourish and fulfil their highest potential, for the benefit of our people, the firm, and our clients.
• Community mindset. We recognise our role as a corporate citizen and invest in a standalone pro bono practice and community response.
• Access to professional development opportunities with leading external providers.
• A competitive salary with discretionary incentives linked to firm performance.
• Group Salary Continuance (GSC) at the firm’s cost.
• Market leading family friendly policy entitlements over and above government entitlements.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support services through our EAP provider and Osara Health which is available to you and your family.
• Access to corporate discounts for over 400 retailers.

Description: Why the role? We’re looking for a motivated and collaborative Finance Officer to join our national Finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical skills, a proactive mindset, and a passion for supporting the firm’s ambitious growth journey. If this sounds like you, your duties will include:

• Perform invoice and general ledger data entry
• Prepare payment batches as required to meet determined payment terms
• Prepare credit card and bank reconciliations to ensure completeness and integrity of payments
• Attend to accounts payable queries promptly and professionally, escalating any unresolved issues appropriately
• Update and maintain supplier database in a timely manner
• Verify and process employee expense claims and manage the approval and payment process
• Identify improvements to the accounts payable process
• Assist with other client service functions as necessary (client reporting, client/matter opening, fee rate maintenance, and professional membership maintenance)
• Work cooperatively with the finance team, and for the business, to meet operational and team objectives
• Apply operational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks to ensure invoices are processed accurately and on time
• Ensure that new matters and clients are opened promptly and that all relevant data fields are complete and accurate
• Willingly and responsively aid any department as directed

Skills and Experiences: Who are you?

• Finance experience, ideally in a law firm or professional services environment
• High level of proficiency on Microsoft Office, in particular Excel
• You are a team player who values alternative perspectives and collaboration
• Able to prioritise and manage own time
• Understand basic principles of finance, accounting and bookkeeping
• Preferred previous experience with iManage Work, iManage Share, Elite3E and other software and programs as required
• Prides self on accuracy, and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that are adaptable to the audience
• Confident and able to work with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Adheres to firm values, compliance standards, and maintain confidentiality

Candidates can request reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process. If you need any specific adjustment, please contact our People team so we can work together to support you. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to First Nations, LGBTIQA+, persons with disabilities, as well as individuals of all ages, and cultures. We're a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace and celebrate the diversity of our people. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career and want to work for a firm that values high performance, innovation, growth, whilst having fun along the way, we would love to hear from you! Please talk to our People Assistant, Jessica Lloyd on +61 2 8240 8083 about joining Gilchrist Connell. Alternatively, hit the apply button to submit your CV and cover letter. A quick note to agencies - we do not need support with this role at present. Thank you.