At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build an in-house finance team from scratch while driving financial performance.
- Company: A growing boutique law firm in North London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Direct influence on business strategy and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a people-focused culture with strong growth ambitions and involvement in operational improvements.
- Why this job: Shape a finance function and make a visible impact in a transformative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant preferred, with experience in a law firm and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
A growing, boutique North London based law firm is seeking a Head of Finance to build and lead its finance function during a transformative period. This is a rare opportunity to join a firm at a pivotal stage, moving from a fully outsourced finance model to an in‑house, best‑in‑class function. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, you'll play a key leadership role, shaping finance strategy while remaining hands‑on in delivery.
The Opportunity
Currently, finance is managed by an external provider. While the day‑to‑day operation is looked after, there is an opportunity to introduce greater proactivity, commercial insight, and control, particularly around WIP, lock‑up, and financial performance.
This role will:
- Design and build an in‑house finance team from scratch
- Lead the transition from outsourced to internal finance (c. first 6 months)
- Work closely with partners to drive financial visibility and performance improvements
- Act as a key member of the Operations Board, influencing firm‑wide decision making
- Play a critical role in a systems implementation
Key Responsibilities
- Build, recruit, and lead the finance team (likely starting with legal cashiers and support staff)
- Develop and implement a clear roadmap for the finance function
- Provide commercial insight and financial leadership to partners and senior stakeholders
- Contribute to strategic planning and business growth
- Produce monthly management accounts, budgets, and forecasts
- Monitor financial performance, cash flow, and key metrics (WIP, lock‑up, debtor days)
- Improve financial controls, processes, and reporting
- Manage audit, VAT, payroll oversight, and external relationships
Legal Finance & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and act as COFA
- Oversee legal cashiering activities, including client accounts, reconciliations, and billing
- Support conveyancing transactions and high‑value completions where required
- Drive a more proactive finance culture (e.g. WIP management, partner engagement)
- Support fee earners with pricing, billing, and profitability analysis
- Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies
Experience needed
- A qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) preferred, though strong QBE candidates will be considered
- Experience within a law firm environment, ideally in a smaller firm
- Strong understanding of SRA Accounts Rules and legal cashiering
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams, with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders
- A hands‑on, proactive approach—comfortable operating strategically while getting into the detail
- Someone with personality and presence, who enjoys partnering with the business and driving change
Why Join?
- Opportunity to build a finance function from the ground up
- Direct exposure to and influence over senior leadership and business strategy
- A collaborative, people‑focused culture with strong growth ambitions
- Involvement in systems transformation and operational improvement projects
If you're looking for a role where you can truly shape a finance function and make a visible impact on a growing business, this is an exceptional opportunity to do so.
Head of Finance employer: Ambition
Join a dynamic and growing boutique law firm in North London as the Head of Finance, where you will have the unique opportunity to build an in-house finance function from the ground up. With a collaborative and people-focused culture, this role offers direct exposure to senior leadership, significant influence over business strategy, and the chance to drive operational improvements during a transformative period. Embrace a hands-on approach in a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and legal sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm thoroughly. Understand their current financial challenges and think about how you can bring value. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss examples of how you've built teams or improved processes in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for leading their finance function.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in building finance teams and any relevant law firm experience. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our growing firm!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Share your vision for transforming our finance function and how you plan to drive financial performance.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders. We want to know about your hands-on approach!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambition
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like WIP, lock-up, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these areas in past roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves building and leading a finance team from scratch. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams before, focusing on your ability to influence and engage with senior stakeholders.
✨Understand the Legal Landscape
Familiarise yourself with SRA Accounts Rules and legal cashiering processes. Being able to speak knowledgeably about compliance and financial controls in a law firm context will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Proactive and Strategic
The firm is looking for someone who can drive change and improve financial performance. Think of specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that have led to tangible improvements, and be prepared to share them.
