At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and ensure accurate monthly reporting in a dynamic law firm.
- Company: Fast-growing law firm in Central London with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression to Head of Finance, and flexible working.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and direct impact on business decisions.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and shape the financial future of a growing firm.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 1-5 years post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
Central London (hybrid) - 3 days in the office, 2 days remote
Salary: c. £100,000 - £130,000 depending on experience.
One of our private clients, an established law firm, requires a Financial Controller to join the London team. The firm is growing fast, and the plan is to keep pushing further, both at home and into new markets abroad.
The Role
This role exists because finance leadership needs someone to properly run the engine room - a second-in-command who can take full ownership of the day-to-day and free up the Head of Finance to focus upward and outward. You'll be the person accountability sits with when the monthly figures need to land accurately and on schedule. Two direct reports - a Finance Manager and a Senior Accountant - sit under you, with a combined team of roughly eight handling billing, management accounts and cash. Close, reporting and the wider control framework will be yours to shape and defend. In practice, you become the natural point of contact whenever the team needs a steer. Expect the brief to widen as the business does. Cross-border complexity is already on the horizon, and whoever takes this on should find that prospect energising rather than off-putting. Commercial and strategic responsibilities will build over time, and a credible route to Head of Finance sits within reach for the right person - realistically inside one to two years. Finance isn't siphoned off into a back office here. You'll be close to how the business actually operates, with genuine input into the calls that shape it.
The ideal candidate
- A qualified accountant - this is essential and non-negotiable. ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification backed by genuine technical depth - comfortable across close, balance sheet control, audit and tax.
- Approximately 1-5 years PQE.
- Natural people skills, including with part-qualified staff who need developing as well as managing.
- A process-and-systems mindset, ideally with some hands-on exposure to finance transformation or automation work.
- The presence to talk numbers with senior people directly, without needing everything scripted in advance.
- An instinct for turning data into a recommendation rather than just a report.
- Prior exposure to professional services or a comparably fast, relationship-led setting is useful but not a prerequisite.
We appreciate your interest in this role. Please note, due to the high volume of CVs we receive, we are unable to respond to every application.
Financial Controller employer: Antonia Saunders
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing law firm in Central London as a Financial Controller, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of the business. With a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, you will benefit from a supportive culture that encourages professional development and offers a clear pathway to advance your career to Head of Finance within just a couple of years. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of financial leadership in a collaborative environment, making impactful decisions that drive the firm's success both locally and internationally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Antonia Saunders. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Antonia Saunders.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Antonia Saunders's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Antonia Saunders
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Antonia Saunders.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Antonia Saunders will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Antonia Saunders employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
