Accounts Assistant (London)

Lazard is one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms. Our people and culture make the difference. While global in presence and reach, ours is a close, collaborative community of just over 3,000 professionals. Lazard is a place of continuous knowledge sharing, skill development and relationship building, where professionals grow and succeed together. Our entrepreneurial culture, flat structure and embrace of individual differences allow creative ideas, original concepts, and unique perspectives to drive our business forward - and for careers to take flight.

Many of the world's leading investors - from individuals to institutions across the globe - have entrusted Lazard Asset Management. We pride ourselves in uncovering the best investment opportunities for our clients. The purpose of our asset management business is to help our clients invest for the future - whether it's for retirement, to grow and preserve inter-generational wealth, or to benefit the organizations that make our world smarter, healthier and more sustainable.

This role combines responsibilities in accounts payable, general ledger support, reconciliations, reporting and month-end processes. The successful candidate will support the finance function for Lazard Asset Management and connected entities, working closely with the Financial Accounting team, the Accounts Payable team and wider Finance organisation.

You’ll need to have:

• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles;
• Preferred candidate will be part-qualified CIMA / ACCA accountant.
• Working knowledge of Accounts Payable / Purchase Ledger and general ledger processes.
• Experience with SAP (advantageous) and strong Excel skills.
• Highly organised, accurate, and able to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multi-currency transactions.
• High level of self-motivation, autonomy, and professional ethics.

Responsibilities:

• Perform regular balance sheet reconciliations including fixed assets, prepayments, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain consistency between the general ledger and reporting systems.
• Support reconciliation and settlement of intercompany balances.
• Maintenance of sales register.
• Support intercompany reporting and settlements.
• Support cash receipt accounting and maintenance of related ledgers.
• Process invoices from suppliers and intercompany offices whilst ensuring the appropriate approvals are obtained (including some multi-currency invoices).
• Preparing weekly vendor payment run via Straight through processing (SAP).
• Process monthly Corporate Credit Card (AMEX) submissions and prepare for payment.
• Process Out of Pocket expenses on a weekly basis in line with company policy and prepare for payment.
• Raising manual Natwest Bankline Payments when required (including different currencies).
• Prepare and post SAP general ledger journals including reclassifications, VAT journals, and review monthly AP postings.
• Support and manage outstanding AP queries (internal & external).
• Assist Accounts Payable including reclass and VAT journals, review of monthly postings and management of outstanding tasks.
• Contribute to ongoing finance projects as required.
• Assist with cost analysis, ad-hoc reporting, and operational finance matters.
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis relating to GL lines, cost centres, and asset management metrics.
• Respond to internal stakeholders with professionalism and timely communication.

What We Offer:

We strive to enhance the total health and well-being of our employees through comprehensive, competitive benefits. Our goal is to offer a highly individualized employee experience that enables you to balance your commitments to career, family, and community. When you work for Lazard, you are working for an organization that cares about your unique talents and passions, and will continue to invest in the development of your career.

Representation at Lazard:

Lazard is an intellectual capital business committed to delivering the best advice and solutions to clients. To achieve these objectives, we focus on attracting, developing and retaining the best talent. We believe that a workforce comprised of people who represent a wide array of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives creates a rich variety of thought that empowers us to challenge conventional wisdom, solve problems creatively and make better decisions.

Lazard was built on the premise that a multicultural firm can best serve a global clientele. As a global firm that has grown organically from local roots in different countries, we have a deep tradition of respecting and appreciating individual differences. Doing so has been core to our success for over 175 years. We are committed to sustaining an environment where every colleague is supported in their professional pursuits, can maximize their individual potential and contribute to our collective success.