At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, manage accounts, and ensure compliance with SRA Accounts Rules.
- Company: A well-established law firm offering a chance to shape finance operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work closely with senior partners.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing firm while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance management within a law firm.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
A growing, well-established firm of solicitors is looking for a Finance Manager to take full ownership of its finance function. This is a genuine opportunity to shape and improve how finance operates across the firm, reporting directly into the Managing Partner.
About the Role
As Finance Manager, you'll lead a small finance/cashiering team while combining hands-on legal cashiering and SRA Accounts Rules compliance with broader financial management, reporting and control. You'll need to be equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves on technical finance work and delegating, supervising and reviewing the work of others.
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing and developing the finance team, allocating workloads and covering absence, and acting as escalation point for queries
- Overseeing client and office account transactions and daily bank reconciliations, ensuring strict SRA Accounts Rules 2019 compliance
- Acting as the firm's main point of contact on SRA Accounts Rules matters, including liaison with the COFA, and supporting the annual accountant's report
- Preparing monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts for the Managing Partner and partners
- Managing billing, WIP and debtor control alongside fee earners
- Overseeing VAT returns, payroll (including partner drawings and pension auto-enrolment), and supplier payments
- Acting as principal liaison with the firm's external accountants and auditors
About You
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Proven experience as a Finance Manager or in a similar role within a law firm or other SRA-regulated environment, with hands-on knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules
- Experience of legal cashiering and client account management
- Proven experience managing or supervising staff within a finance or cashiering function
- Strong Excel skills and familiarity with practice management/accounting software such as Actionstep or Advanced Legal
- Excellent attention to detail and a confident communicator, comfortable liaising with the Managing Partner, partners and fee earners
Prior experience as, or working closely with, a COFA, along with partnership/LLP accounting experience, would be an advantage.
Finance Manager in Wells employer: Gerrard White
Join a prestigious Legal 500-ranked law firm in Bristol, where you will be part of a dynamic Private Client team known for its exceptional client service and expertise in wealth management. With a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and clear pathways for professional development, this role offers a unique opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on clients' lives in a supportive and collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Wells
✨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 Gerrard White. 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 Manager in Wells
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 Gerrard White.
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 Gerrard White'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 Gerrard White
✨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 Gerrard White.
✨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 Gerrard White 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 Gerrard White 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.
