Accounts Payable Officer

Who are we?

Bird & Bird is an international law firm, with a rare and invaluable grasp of strategic commercial issues. 

We combine exceptional legal expertise with deep industry knowledge and refreshingly creative thinking, to help clients achieve their commercial goals. We have over 3,000 employees (legal and non-legal) in 32 offices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, as well as close ties with firms in other parts of the world. If you want to find out more visit www.twobirds.com.

We are a firm that offers excellent prospects for progression and our culture provides all our people with world-class support to achieve their ambitions and goals.

Our promise to you to you

Bird & Bird is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment. It is the policy of Bird & Bird to consider all candidates fairly, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, age or disability. We support an agile working environment and are happy to discuss flexible working. 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Officer. The ideal person will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience within a professional services environment (e.g., accounting firm or law firm). 

We expect our person to have in-depth knowledge of Accounts Payable principles and best practices. We also expect intermediate Excel skills and working knowledge of other MS packages – working knowledge of Aderant Expert is desirable but not essential.

The role will require strong written and verbal communications skills with the ability to stay calm, empathetic and professional in stressful situations. This is a busy role and will suit those that have great attention to detail and organisational skills, can work independently and collaboratively, and is proactive and forward thinking.

This role is highly client facing, and we expect our ideal person to be a brand ambassador for the firm and manage internal (partners) and external (clients) stakeholders.

Duties and responsibilities 

• This role is an end-to-end Accounts Payable role.
• Maintain the Accounts Payable system, including vendor details, invoice entry, online invoice review, prepare payment schedules, and electronic filing.
• Oversee and use the Onventis online invoice workflow system.
• Allocate costs to the correct General Ledger accounts.
• Review and process expense claims ensuring they are coded correctly, include approvals and are in compliance with financial policies.
• Proactively manage the payment cycle to ensure payments are made in accordance with supplier payment terms.
• Reconcile supplier invoices and credit card transactions to statements.
• Reconcile petty cash.
• Investigate and resolve unpaid invoices.
• Manage the Accounts Payable email inbox.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to resolve queries promptly.
• Continuously improve Accounts Payable processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Undertake ad-hoc project work as required.
• Responsible for over 150 Suppliers with around 250 invoices at any one time.

Skills and attributes 

People and team working 
Experience working in a team and individually is essential; the ability and willingness to share best practice knowledge and experience are a key success factor. 

Leadership 
A self-starter who is highly motivated; able to demonstrate innovative methods of developing others; able to delegate effectively; flexible and innovative with work practices; willing to drive own personal development initiatives.

Communication skills 
Strong interpersonal skills; actively seeks to improve lines of communication internally and externally to the department; works with other managers and partners to promote a ‘one team’ ethos. 

Decision making 
Demonstrates integrity and professionalism; willingness to accept accountability for areas of direct control; the ability to assess and understand the wider impact of actions. 

Client focus and service delivery 
A strong sense of clients’ needs and ability to tailor communication style 
to suit each client (internal and external). 

What will we offer you?

Company Culture

As an international commercial law firm, we encourage open communication and transparency, especially important as we are open plan allowing easy access to our senior leaders. We have many internal initiatives to support our warm culture.

Whether it’s hearing about firm updates during our regular whole-of-office morning tea celebrations, or catching up with colleagues during our monthly social drinks, team lunches, and other social events - we are a collaborative office. Whether you’re a classical musician, yoga practitioner, avid reader, crafty, ocean swimmer or keen team sportsperson, we support many activities here. You will also be a part of a wider international Bird & Bird network with active involvement in regional Asia-Pacific and international initiatives.

Health & Well-being

We care about our people. We provide many health and well being benefits such as ergonomic assessments, flu shots, well-being seminars and a fantastic EAP service with a digital support platform "The Resilience Box" providing tips, tools and strategies for mental, physical and financial well-being. We also have very successful lunchtime sporting teams as well as after work yoga classes and a swimming group with our own designer twobirds "Budgie Smugglers"!

Personal and Professional Development

All new starters receive extensive induction training. As your career develops, we ensure you are continuously upskilled with formal and informal programmes.

Corporate Social Responsibility - We encourage our team to be actively involved in our Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives and committees:

·         Diversity and Inclusion Committee;

·         Pro Bono and Volunteering Committee;

·         Social Committee;

·         Environment and Sustainability Committee;

·         Fundraising Initiatives.

We offer a competitive package, a friendly, flexible supportive culture, excellent modern offices in the CBD and great exposure to the firm and its clients globally. 

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you please email your current resume and cover letter to the HR team at Sydcareers@twobirds.com. We are interested in hearing from applicants directly, please no recruitment agencies. For more information on the firm please visit our website www.twobirds.com.

This role is open to Australian residents, or those who hold a current visa providing the ongoing right to work in Australia along with strong English skills (both spoken and written). 

We are a disability, neurodiversity and mental health inclusive employer and want to ensure that candidates have a barrier-free recruitment experience. If you need adjustments for any of your interviews or assessments, please email us for confidential advice.