Senior Management Accountant

The Senior Management Accountant will play a central role in driving the firm's financial performance and supporting strategic decision‑making. Acting as a Finance Business Partner, this role will work closely with Partners, Fee Earners and Heads of Department to provide insight, challenge, and guidance that strengthens commercial outcomes across the firm. This position combines hands‑on ownership of ledger management and core financial reporting with forward‑looking analysis, business planning, and active engagement with senior stakeholders. The Senior Management Accountant will also be a key member of the Finance Managers' group, collaborating closely to ensure a cohesive, high‑performing Finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Finance Business Partnering
  • Build strong, trusted relationships with Partners, Fee Earners and Heads of Department.
  • Provide insightful financial analysis, commentary and recommendations to improve profitability, productivity and cost efficiency.
  • Support the practice groups and Business Support teams in understanding performance drivers, trends and opportunities.
  • Present financial information in a clear, commercial and accessible manner to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Management Accounting & Reporting
  • Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and performance commentary.
  • Produce financial key performance indicator (KPI) reports, cost reports and other internal financial reporting to support operational and strategic decision‑making.
  • Manage and perform all postings to the general ledger and associated accounting records, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data.
  • Prepare, maintain, and review accurate balance sheet reconciliations, resolving discrepancies promptly and ensuring all accounts are fully supported.
  • Support the Financial Controller and other Finance Managers during periods of absence to ensure continuity of financial operations.
  • Ensure timely month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Financial Dashboards & Data Insights
  • Maintain and enhance the firm's online financial dashboards.
  • Liaise with the firm's third‑party dashboard provider to ensure data accuracy, system reliability and alignment with business objectives.
  • Develop dashboards and reporting tools that promote transparency, accountability and the right commercial behaviours across the firm.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning
  • Lead the annual budgeting cycle, working closely with Partners and Heads of Department to develop robust, realistic financial plans.
  • Prepare rolling forecasts and scenario analyses to support strategic planning, including cash flow reporting and forecasting.
  • Provide challenge, insight and support to ensure budgets reflect operational priorities and financial discipline.
• Compliance, Tax & Audit Support
  • Assist with the preparation and submission of regular compliance returns.
  • Support the preparation of GST / VAT and other tax returns across relevant jurisdictions.
  • Support the annual audit process, including preparation of audit schedules, responding to auditor queries and ensuring timely completion.
  • Work closely with auditors and internal stakeholders to maintain rigorous financial controls to protect the business.
• Collaboration & Leadership within Finance
  • Work collaboratively as part of the Finance Managers group, contributing to a cohesive and high‑performing finance leadership team.
  • Partner with the Financial Controller on accounting integrity and process improvements.
  • Work with the Senior Finance Systems Manager to ensure financial systems support accurate reporting and efficient workflows.
  • Coordinate with the Senior Finance Operations Manager and Cayman Finance Manager to ensure consistent financial practices across jurisdictions.
  • Support the Financial Operations team in ensuring payments are accurate, timely and compliant with internal controls.
  • Assist with resolving payment‑related queries and maintaining robust approval processes.
  • Act as a payment checker and authorised releaser on the firm's online banking platform.
• Projects & Continuous Improvement
  • Contribute to ad hoc project work across the Finance function, including new system implementations, upgrades to existing systems and process improvement initiatives.
  • Work collaboratively with the Senior Finance Systems Manager to ensure systems support accurate reporting and efficient workflows.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the quality and efficiency of financial reporting.

Qualifications/skills/experience

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• At least 5 years' experience in management accounting, financial analysis, including business partnering.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to communicate financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel and data‑analysis skills; experience with dashboarding tools and writing SQL queries is an advantage.
• Proven ability to manage deadlines, prioritise effectively and work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.

Desirable

• Experience in a professional services or partnership‑based environment, ideally legal or offshore financial services.
• Familiarity with Aderant, or other legal practice management systems and financial reporting tools.
• Experience working with multi‑jurisdictional teams.

Competencies

• Proactive and commercially minded.
• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing decision‑making.
• Detail‑oriented yet able to see the bigger picture.
• Collaborative, supportive and committed to continuous improvement.
• High integrity and a strong sense of accountability.

In this role you will be expected to:

• Behave in a manner in keeping with our core culture and values.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations including those around anti‑money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Commit to fulfilling any personal CPD requirements and continually developing your skills and knowledge.