At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and compliance for a respected law firm.
- Company: Modern, ambitious law firm with a strong reputation in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 32 days leave, professional development, and free parking.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing firm and influence key business decisions.
- Qualifications: Finance degree, professional qualification, and 5+ years in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 65250 - 79750 £ per year.
- Finance Director
- Company Overview
Clearview Recruitment are delighted to be working with a modern, ambitious and highly respected multi-service law firm based in North Bristol (BS32).
Established for over 15 years, our client has built an excellent reputation for delivering outstanding legal services to both individuals and businesses across England and Wales.
Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Finance Director to join their senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in the firm's continued success.
Role Overview
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Finance Director to take ownership of the firm's financial strategy, compliance and operational performance.
Working closely with the Directors, you'll help shape the future of the business by providing strategic financial guidance, ensuring regulatory compliance and driving commercial performance.
As a key member of the leadership team, you'll oversee all aspects of the finance function, manage and develop the accounts team, and play an integral role in supporting the firm's continued growth.
The firm is known for investing in its people, offering a collaborative culture, modern working environment and genuine opportunities to influence business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the firm's financial planning and strategic direction
- Prepare and present monthly management accounts, forecasts and board reports
- Develop and oversee annual budgets and financial forecasting
- Manage cashflow, aged debt collection and reduction of lock-up
- Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules
- Act as the firm's Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA)
- Fulfil the responsibilities of Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
- Oversee payroll, bookkeeping, billing and legal cashiering functions
- Lead, mentor and develop the finance team
- Manage external audits, tax planning and banking relationships
- Analyse financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability
- Maintain robust financial controls and minimise business risk
- Support senior management with commercial decision-making and growth strategies
Skills and Qualifications
- Accounting or Finance Degree
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA preferred)
- Minimum 5 years' experience within a senior financial management role
- Previous legal sector experience highly desirable
- Strong understanding of SRA Accounts Rules
- Previous COFA and/or MLRO experience advantageous
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical ability
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- Experience using accounting software and financial reporting systems
- Outstanding communication and organisational skills
Package and Benefits
- Salary starting at £60,000 (depending on experience)
- 32 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year, after 3 years of service
- Office based - free onsite parking
- Ongoing professional development and training
- Genuine opportunity to influence business strategy
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team
- Long-term career progression within a growing legal practice
Finance Director - Law Firm in Bristol employer: Clearview Recruitment
Join a leading estate agency in Weston-super-Mare, where we prioritise employee growth and a supportive work culture. With competitive salaries and a clear path for career advancement, our team thrives on collaboration and excellence in service delivery, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the residential sales sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Law Firm in Bristol
✨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 Clearview Recruitment. 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 Finance Director - Law Firm in Bristol
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 Clearview Recruitment.
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 Clearview Recruitment'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 Clearview Recruitment
✨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 Clearview Recruitment.
✨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 Clearview Recruitment 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 Clearview Recruitment 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.