Associate, Compensation Accounting

Job Description

About this role

Business Unit Overview:

A qualified accountant is required to join the Compensation Accounting team in Edinburgh. BlackRock Finance consists of Finance professionals in disciplines such as Tax, Business Finance, Treasury, Regulatory Reporting, Accounting Operations and Corporate Accounting. The Global Compensation Accounting team forms part of the Finance Controllers team and consists of five hubs based in Princeton, NYC, Edinburgh, Belgrade and Tokyo. The team is responsible for recording all expense related to compensation and benefits in the financial records of BlackRock, comprising around 50% of BlackRock’s cost base.

Position Description:

This is an Associate position based in Edinburgh. The Compensation Accounting Associate will be responsible for supporting the team across all areas of compensation accounting.

The individual will also have regular interactions with other Finance teams globally, as well as various other internal stakeholders such as HR Payroll, Legal Entity Controllers, FP&A and external auditors.

This role presents a unique opportunity for the right candidate to join a high quality, high performing team, gaining valuable experience of working in Finance within a large multinational firm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working as an integral part of the Compensation Accounting team in Edinburgh.
• Ensure compensation expense is recorded properly in accordance with GAAP.
• Responsible for all Deferred Compensation accounting month end close deliverables
• Preparing journals, posting and making sure all month-close deadlines are followed
• Responsible for preparing balance sheet reconciliations and subsequent certification of the balance sheet
• Prepare and present commentary to stakeholders on the P&L and balance sheet movements each month
• Full responsibility for supporting and driving process improvement for all aspects of Deferred Compensation accounting
• Liaise and build strong working relationships with Payroll, Human Resources and other parts of Finance including legal entity controllers and tax
• Accurately prepare supporting files for auditors
• Assist where required with project related deliverables surrounding implementation of deferred compensation schemes resulting from acquisitions
• Other ad hoc duties and monthly tasks as assigned

Development Value:

• Opportunity to make a difference and have a high impact on key stakeholders within BlackRock Finance
• Collaboration with internal partners located across the globe within a multinational organization.
• This role will give the individual an excellent opportunity to develop their time management skills by working to tight timelines and deliver output for a myriad of stakeholders.
• The candidate will be provided the responsibility of owning specific areas thus allowing them the opportunity to understand entire processes and procedures.
• This role can provide a strong foundation for further career progression within BlackRock.

Knowledge/Experience:

• CA/ACCA/CIMA qualified/part-qualified.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an accounting related role preferable.
• Prior experience within financial services or a large, listed company preferable.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to challenge the status quo in a rapidly changing environment.
• High attention to detail, ability to focus and take ownership of tasks until completion.
• Strong task management and organizational skills.
• Prior experience liaising with other groups and teams including external auditors.
• Strong excel and data manipulation skills.

Competencies:

• Self-starter, highly numerate, quick learner, team player, with an ability to adjust to change and the desire to take on responsibility is required.
• High level of technical proficiency in Excel and General Ledger applications
• Well-organized, methodical and detail orientated with an ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to synthesize information and summarize key issues.
• Ability to communicate clearly and confidently in both verbal and written form, with all levels of the business.
• Initiative and confidence to identify potential process improvement opportunities and helping deliver benefit to the business.
• Ability to partner with external vendors and internal stakeholders to achieve tight monthly deadline.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.