At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and manage a dynamic finance team in a prestigious law firm.
- Company: Reputable law firm located in the heart of London’s Mayfair.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate and drive change in financial processes.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategies in a thriving legal sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5 years PQE and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Our client is a medium sized firm with just over 100 fee earners, specialising in Corporate and Property law.
They are based in prestigious offices in the heart of London’s Mayfair.
They are looking to recruit a Finance Controller on a 12 month contract.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, managing, operating and controlling of the firm’s accounting services.
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant and have experience of managing and developing a team.
Responsibilities
- Maintain proper accounting records of the LLP and Service Company
- Ensure financial controls are in place and adhered to
- Identify and address financial risks and opportunities
- Manage lock up by driving activity on WIP management, billing, and collection
- Meet with budget holders to prepare annual budgets and to analyse, review and forecast their business areas
- Review and validate office and client payments
- Manage the year‑end financial audit
- Review and publish monthly management accounts and associated reports within agreed timescales
- Review and publish cashflow and P&L forecasts
- Production and distribution of other ad hoc management information
- Conduct profitability analysis at team, client and matter level
- Analyse and model new initiatives and scenarios
- Review and publish the annual statutory accounts and corporation tax returns
- Review and provide financial information for legal press surveys, new business pitches, panel reviews and other marketing purposes
- Oversee all other internal and external reporting delivered by the finance team
- Manage, support, train and develop the finance team
- Design and deliver best practice training to fee earners (including partners)
- Work closely with the Systems Accountant, IT department and other support departments to design and deliver solutions, automating where possible
- Continually appraise existing systems and processes and lead on any change initiatives required
- Review and update policies and guidance notes
- Candidate Profile
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 5 years PQE gained within the legal sector
- A good understanding of the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules
- Good knowledge of VAT and partnership tax
- Experience of managing and developing a team
- Advanced MS Excel skills
- SQL reporting skills would also be an advantage
- Experience of preparing financial statements and managing audits
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Career Legal.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Career Legal might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Career Legal will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Career Legal. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Career Legal confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Legal
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Career Legal.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Career Legal that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
