At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic financial decisions for a top law firm.
- Company: Reputable London law firm known for its specialist practice areas.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career development and team leadership.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategy and operational improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience, preferably in professional services.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid working)
Salary: Competitive salary + discretionary bonus & comprehensive benefits package
Our client is a well-established London law firm with a strong reputation across its specialist practice areas. As part of the continued development of the business, they are seeking an experienced Finance Director to lead the finance function and work closely with the partnership on financial strategy, performance, and operational improvement.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the firm's finance function, taking responsibility for financial reporting, management information, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial control.
- Work closely with the Managing Partner, senior leadership team, and wider partnership to support commercial and strategic decision-making.
- Prepare and present high-quality financial analysis, management reporting, and performance information to the partnership.
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, providing clear insight into revenue, profitability, costs, and cash flow.
- Monitor financial performance across practice areas, partners, clients, and matters, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Oversee working capital management, including billing, WIP, lock-up, collections, and cash flow optimisation.
- Support partner remuneration, profit distribution, and wider partnership financial matters.
- Ensure robust financial controls, policies, processes, and governance are maintained across the firm.
- Oversee statutory reporting, tax, audit, banking, insurance, and other external financial relationships.
- Drive improvements across finance systems, reporting processes, automation, and data quality.
- Lead, develop, and manage the finance team, ensuring the function provides a high-quality service to the wider business.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banks, tax advisers, and other professional advisers.
- Ensure the firm remains compliant with relevant regulatory and financial requirements, including appropriate oversight of client money and SRA-related finance controls.
Requirements:
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent qualified accountant.
- Significant post-qualified experience within a senior finance leadership role.
- Previous experience within a law firm or wider professional services environment is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of partnership accounting and the commercial dynamics of a professional services business.
- Experience managing budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, cash flow, and working capital.
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, statutory reporting, audit, and tax requirements.
- Experience leading and developing a finance team.
- Confident and credible communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholders within a partnership environment.
- Experience improving finance systems, processes, reporting, and controls would be advantageous.
- Proactive, pragmatic, and comfortable operating within a hands-on senior leadership role.
Finance Director in London employer: Handpicked Recruitment Limited
Join a dynamic finance team that values collaboration and professional growth, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. As a Finance Assistant, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages continuous learning and development, while contributing to meaningful financial processes in a fast-paced environment. With competitive remuneration and the opportunity to enhance your skills, this role is perfect for those seeking a rewarding career in finance.
Contact Details:
Handpicked Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in London
✨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.
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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.
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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 Handpicked Recruitment Limited. 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 in London
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 Handpicked Recruitment Limited.
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 Handpicked Recruitment Limited'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 Handpicked Recruitment Limited
✨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 Handpicked Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Handpicked Recruitment Limited 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 Handpicked Recruitment Limited 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.
