Client Finance Manager in Hereford

The Client Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing all client-facing finance and accounting activities of the practice, ensuring accurate financial management of client matters, compliance with the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules, and effective financial support to fee earners and senior management. This role focuses on client money, billing, WIP management, credit control, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, rather than purchase ledger or supplier payments. The post-holder will act as a key adviser to the SMT on financial performance, risk, and strategy, while supporting the firm’s operational and regulatory objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop & implement client accounting policies in line with regulatory and firm requirements.
• Overall management of client accounting and financial controls in accordance with the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules.
• Oversight of WIP, billing, client balances, disbursements, and credit control.
• Preparation and presentation of financial reports for SMT and Directors.
• Providing financial insight and strategic advice to support business planning and decision-making.
• Ensuring robust AML, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance frameworks are in place.
• Provide accurate advice and support in respect of client money, billing arrangements, and compliance requirements.
• Liaising with third parties in line with the requirements of the business.

Duties

• Monitor the day-to-day financial operations within the company, such as invoicing and other transactions.
• Analyse management information, financial data, and performance reports to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Translate financial data into clear forward-looking insight to support Directors with strategic planning and both long-term and short-term operational decisions.
• Prepare and formally present financial and performance reports to board members/SMT, clearly explaining key variances and implications.
• Stay up to date with technological advances and accounting software to be used for financial purposes.
• Establish and maintain financial policies and procedures for the company.
• Understand and adhere to financial regulations and legislation.
• Deal with queries regarding cost positions on file and payments.
• Oversee client credit control.
• Ensure the firm’s compliance with the SRA while helping protect the firm and its clients from money laundering and fraud.
• Keep track of banking on a daily basis and record all transactions on the case management system.
• Deal with enquiries from fee earners and other staff members.
• Ensure all hardcopy materials containing confidential information are securely stored.
• Manage disbursement transactions.
• Make decisions on systems and procedures which may result in certain retainers being declined.
• Ensure that an anti-money laundering system is in place which does not tend towards regular under-compliance or burdensome over-compliance.
• Oversee the training and HR needs of all staff.
• Lead, mentor & develop Finance team members, managing workloads and performance.
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors & regulators, ensuring smooth audits and inspections.
• First Aider.
• Support with SRA guidance, Lexcel and Insurance.

Person Specification

• Good analytical skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software.
• Diligent and methodical work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• A positive approach to working under pressure in a busy environment.
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written.

Knowledge

• Broad knowledge of accounting principles.
• Working knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules is essential.

We Offer

• Onsite parking at our Hereford office.
• 24/7 access to our fully equipped onsite gym.

Note: This job list is not exhaustive and will be subject to periodic review. It may be amended to meet the changing needs of the business. The Post-holder will be expected to participate in this process and we will aim to reach an agreement on any changes.