At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance operations, oversee billing, and support team projects in a dynamic law firm.
- Company: Fast-growing law firm with a focus on innovation and high-profile clients.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and make an impact in legal finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal finance management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Office-based role in Bristol with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 38100 - 46400 £ per year.
The Company
Our client is a fast-paced, fast-growing, and forward-thinking law firm that supports high-profile clients across a range of innovative sectors. With local, national, and international reach, the firm employs over 1,800 people in offices across the UK.
The Role
On behalf of our client, we are seeking a Contract Legal Finance Manager to join the Operational Finance team on a 9-month contract. Reporting directly to the Head of Operational Finance, you will work closely with managers across all finance functions to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Billing, Credit Control, and Supplier Payments. This role is critical in maintaining business-as-usual operations while supporting team managers as they focus on a major project to replace the current finance system.
Responsibilities will include:
- Review and approve or reject all out-of-policy travel spend and inter-office travel.
- Authorise payment runs for the Purchase Ledger team.
- Manage weekly team rotas to ensure full operational coverage.
- Update daily cashflow forecasts with expected income and expenditure.
- Complete daily bank reconciliations and post standing orders and direct debits.
- Perform and sign off monthly client account reconciliations.
- Prepare monthly statistics, KPIs, and financial control reports.
- Collate finance and risk reporting slides for partner and leadership meetings.
- Monitor third-party payor receipts and act as an escalation point.
- Oversee trust account reviews and manual reconciliations of sole accounts.
- Manage the finance ticketing system across all operational teams.
- Review the "no chase" debt list and oversee monthly debt provisions.
- Ensure accurate end-of-day credit control reporting.
- Handle queries relating to debt retention policies and associated reporting.
- Oversee complex billing queries, attend issue-resolution meetings, and manage month-end billing cycles, including prioritisation and resourcing.
- Oversee the e-billing ledger and attend regular meetings on e-billing performance.
- Oversee Revenue Controllers, produce monthly KPIs, and track progress against targets.
The Person
The ideal candidate will be an experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure. You will be comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels and supporting operational teams both in person and remotely.
Requirements:
- Legal finance experience in a management or team leader position.
- Experience using legal finance platforms (e.g. SOS or similar).
- Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and support a team across locations.
The Salary
£38,100 - £46,400 (£20.93 - £25.29 per hour)
The Contract:
Full-time, 9-month contract.
The Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
The Location
Bristol office-based role with regular office attendance required. Candidates must live within a commutable distance.
Contract Legal Finance Manager in Bristol employer: Alexander Mae Ltd
Contact Detail:
Alexander Mae Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Legal Finance Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its culture. Understand their values and how they operate, so you can tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit for their team. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your responses, making you more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Legal Finance Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contract Legal Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in legal finance and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in finance and how you’ve managed teams effectively. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our client’s team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills, especially with legal finance platforms and Microsoft Excel. If you’ve got experience with e-billing or managing complex billing queries, make sure to mention that. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mae Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Contract Legal Finance Manager, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on key financial metrics and KPIs relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these in past positions to drive results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a team or project under pressure. Highlight your coaching style and how you support team members, especially in a remote setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Legal Finance Platforms
If you've worked with legal finance platforms like SOS, make sure to mention this experience. If not, do some research on common systems used in the industry. Being able to discuss these tools will show your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around billing queries and debt management. Prepare scenarios from your past experiences where you resolved complex issues, demonstrating your analytical and communication skills.