About the Firm:
As one of the first firms to develop a Joint Law Venture in Singapore, Pinsent Masons MPillay LLP has been offering clients in the region high quality, sector-focussed legal advice since 2010.
Our clients value our expertise in all aspects of the energy and infrastructure sectors, locally, regionally and globally. We routinely advise on a wide range of complex and critical projects, disputes, procurement, technology and corporate matters.
We have built a team that reflects our values: our people are approachable, bold and connected.
Our clients tell us that this makes our advisers different. Our connections to our clients' sectors enable our people to develop deeper client relationships - and more innovative and impactful legal solutions as a result.
Purpose of the role:
To develop and manage a high performing finance team in Asia Pacific ensuring technical excellence, first-rate service levels and timely delivery.
Alongside the Regional Business Manager, this role will act as business partner and trusted advisor to the regional leadership team for all accounting and finance issues with the objective of helping to maximise profitability, minimise financial risk and support the achievement of strategic growth targets.
The Regional Financial Controller will provide financial leadership and delivery of operational finance in an efficient manner and in compliance with group standards while ensuring all local reporting standards and regulations are met.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing the financial planning, monitoring and reporting of overheads and overall profitability for the Region.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Provide leadership to, supervision and development of the finance teams in APAC to build an effective cross-regional team. Build a culture of team responsiveness and ‘how can I help you’ approach.
- Working with the Global Tax team and external advisors as appropriate, establish and maintain procedures for each jurisdiction to comply with local GST/ VAT, payroll and other tax rules, including support with local returns and annual inspections. Ensure any adhoc tax queries raised by tax authorities in the Region are dealt with on a timely and accurate basis.
- Ensure appropriate cost management through processes, controls and effective operating model. Help to optimise revenue through reduced leakage due to operational issues.
- Seek to continuously improve processes and systems to improve efficiency and ensure the region is making use of the latest technology to deliver first class financial operations to the Firm. Initial focus on billing and cash collection processes working collaboratively with appropriate UK finance groups.
- Develop in depth financial analysis with insightful narrative on financial areas of the business and working closely with the Group Financial Reporting & Control team and Regional Business Manager, produce and interpret monthly management accounts for the Region including commentaries covering performance and variance analysis.
- Accountability for all local statutory, regulatory and internal compliance requirements (taxes, financial reporting, Solicitor account rules, financial controls and policies), accounting records and all financial processes.
- Working with the Business manager and others as appropriate, support improvements in working capital management.
- Support projects such as new office openings, new system implementations and other regional or firm initiatives with financial insight and analysis.
- Work closely with the Group Financial Reporting & Control Team to manage, alongside the Regional Business Manager, the Firm’s budget and forecast processes in the region.
- Develop strong relationships with professional advisors in the region and manage the statutory audit process for the Region, ensuring financials are signed off on a timely basis.
- Work closely with the Group or regional teams leading on various issues including Transfer pricing, international mobility, partner tax and accounting issues, corporate structure, direct and indirect tax, etc.
- Develop an internal audit programme to test internal control adequacy for the offices in the region and implement or strengthen controls if weaknesses identified.
Person specific
- Qualified Accountant (min 5 years PQE) with progressive experience in a professional services firm (preferably legal)
- Experience with building, leading and managing high performing teams
- Working knowledge of Asia Pacific finance, tax and compliance regimes
- Proven technical experience
