Finance Director and COFA

Finance Director and COFA who is a qualified Accountant and who has previously held a senior financial role either as an FD, Chief Financial Officer / CFO, Financial Controller or similar level is required to lead strategic financial initiatives and the compliance function for an ambitious, forward-thinking firm.

SALARY: £115,000 per annum + Benefits (inc. Private Medical & Dental, Life Insurance, Equity Opportunities)

LOCATION: Hybrid / 3 Days per Week in the Office. Candidates can work from either the London, Manchester or Warrington offices

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Finance Director and COFA who is a qualified Accountant and who has previously held a senior financial role either as an FD, Chief Financial Officer / CFO, Financial Controller or similar level.

Working as the Finance Director and COFA you will be pivotal in driving the financial strategy and compliance functions for the company, which includes a law firm, finance division, and insurance division. As a key member of the leadership team, the Finance Director will combine technical financial expertise with strategic vision to build the finance division, support the company’s growth, and ensure regulatory compliance across all entities.

As the Finance Director and COFA you will thrive in a fast-paced environment, meet ambitious timelines, and adeptly manage multiple priorities while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.

As a successful candidate you will join an ambitious, forward-thinking firm that leverages technology to ethically and efficiently offer Finance, Adjudication, Insurance and Representation services to UK consumer claimants.

DUTIES

Your duties as a Finance Director and COFA will include:

Strategic Leadership:

1. Develop and execute the financial strategy
2. Build and scale the finance division, establishing a high-performing team and infrastructure
3. Provide financial insights and strategic recommendations to the Board
4. Lead business planning initiatives, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
5. Identify and pursue opportunities to optimise efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance profitability across the group

Compliance and Regulation:

1. Act as the COFA for the law firm, ensuring full compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules and reporting breaches as necessary
2. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across all divisions
3. Oversee client account management for the law firm, ensuring segregation of funds, reconciliations, and compliance audits are conducted effectively

Financial Leadership and Oversight:

1. Implement a comprehensive Financial Management Accounting (FMA) system
2. Oversee the preparation of budgets for each entity, providing accurate forecasts, variance analyses, and actionable insights
3. Manage cash flow, working capital, and financial planning
4. Produce consolidated financial reports, KPIs, and management accounts
5. Lead the preparation and coordination of internal and external audits
6. Oversee the setup and management of appropriate banking systems

Process Improvement and Innovation:

1. Design and implement standardised financial processes and controls across all divisions
2. Leverage technology to enhance reporting, compliance tracking, and operational workflows

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Mentor and develop finance team members
2. Act as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

1. Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build, scale, and manage the finance division in a dynamic environment
2. Proven ability to meet ambitious timelines and juggle multiple priorities effectively
3. Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to overcoming challenges
4. Strategic thinker with a passion for driving growth and efficiency
5. Professional accounting qualification
6. Experience in senior financial roles, with experience in legal, finance, or insurance sectors preferred
7. Demonstrated success in leading strategic financial initiatives and building high-performing teams
8. Deep understanding of SRA Accounts Rules and other applicable regulatory frameworks
9. Experience implementing and managing Financial Management Accounting systems
10. Advanced proficiency in financial management software and Excel

BENEFITS

1. A high-impact role with significant autonomy to shape the firm’s future and make a meaningful impact on the legal sector and access to legal justice
2. The opportunity to lead financial operations across a diverse and dynamic group
3. A collaborative work environment that values innovation and accountability
4. Competitive salary and benefits package
5. Professional development opportunities and the chance to influence the growth of the company

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CV’s of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.

JOB REF: AWDO-P12953

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