Legal Aid Finance Manager

The Legal Aid Finance Manager will oversee the financial operations of our legal aid solicitors’ firm, ensuring compliance with UK financial regulations, Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements and relevant SRA financial compliance obligations, while supporting the firm’s financial performance and sustainability.

The role will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the finance function, including financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow, VAT, payroll, legal aid financial processes and financial controls. The postholder will work closely with the Directors and senior management team to provide accurate financial information and strategic financial advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the firm, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash flow and general ledger maintenance.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of financial transactions and maintenance of appropriate financial records and controls.
• Monitor income, expenditure, cash flow and the firm’s overall financial position.
• Oversee the financial management of legal aid income, including monitoring payments, recoveries and outstanding balances.

VAT and Tax Compliance

• Prepare, review and submit the firm’s VAT returns accurately and within the required HMRC deadlines.
• Ensure VAT is correctly accounted for across the firm’s different income and expenditure streams, including legal aid work where applicable.
• Maintain accurate VAT records and supporting documentation.
• Reconcile VAT accounts and investigate and resolve any discrepancies.
• Keep up to date with relevant changes to VAT legislation and ensure appropriate changes are implemented within the firm’s financial processes.
• Liaise with external accountants or tax advisers where specialist advice is required.
• Ensure the firm meets its wider tax and reporting obligations within the scope of the role.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely management accounts and financial reports for the Directors and senior management team.
• Provide financial analysis and advice to support business decisions.
• Produce regular cash-flow forecasts and financial performance reports.
• Identify financial risks, trends and opportunities and make recommendations for improvement.

Legal Aid and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant Legal Aid Agency (LAA) financial requirements and funding rules.
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and records in relation to legal aid work.
• Ensure compliance with relevant SRA Accounts Rules and other applicable SRA financial requirements.
• Support the firm in preparing for financial reviews, audits and regulatory inspections.
• Monitor changes to relevant financial, tax, legal aid and regulatory requirements and advise the Directors accordingly.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Develop and manage the annual budget in conjunction with the Directors and senior management.
• Monitor actual expenditure and income against budget and investigate significant variances.
• Prepare financial forecasts and scenario planning to support the firm’s financial stability and long-term planning.
• Provide financial information to support recruitment, salary, expenditure and investment decisions.

Audit and External Relationships

• Coordinate annual audits and other external financial reviews.
• Act as the main point of contact for external accountants, auditors, tax advisers and other financial professionals.
• Implement and monitor recommendations arising from audits and financial reviews.
• Ensure appropriate financial documentation is maintained and readily available.
• Manage, supervise and develop members of the finance team.
• Allocate workloads and ensure financial tasks and deadlines are completed accurately and on time.
• Establish and maintain effective financial procedures and controls.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues on financial processes and systems.

Strategic Financial Planning

• Work closely with the Director and senior management team to develop and implement financial strategies.
• Provide commercially sound financial advice while recognising the firm’s legal aid funding model and regulatory obligations.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial efficiency, income recovery and financial controls.
• Support the long-term financial sustainability of the firm.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline; ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in financial management, ideally within a legal aid, legal services or regulated professional services environment.
• Demonstrable experience of preparing and submitting VAT returns and managing VAT compliance.Strong knowledge of UK financial regulations, HMRC requirements and financial reporting.
• Good understanding of SRA Accounts Rules and financial compliance requirements, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
• Experience of working with Legal Aid Agency funding and financial requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience of managing or supervising a finance team.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to strict regulatory and financial deadlines.
• Proficiency in financial/accounting software and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Experience working within a legal aid law firm or other regulated legal environment.
• Knowledge of legal aid funding structures, billing, recoveries and LAA requirements.
• Practical knowledge of VAT, including the preparation and submission of VAT returns.
• Experience dealing with external accountants, auditors and HMRC.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise competing deadlines and provide clear financial advice to senior management.
• Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and professional judgement.

Why Join Lawstop?

At Lawstop, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a supportive, collaborative and flexible working environment where employees are encouraged to develop and grow their careers.

We offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive and inclusive culture.
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful social justice work.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the future growth and success of a respected Legal Aid practice.

Lawstop is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from individuals of all ages, ethnicities, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities, nationalities, neurodiversity, disabilities, and those with parental or caring responsibilities.

We also offer flexible working arrangements.

During the application process, candidates are invited to inform us of any adjustments or support required to enable them to perform at their best. Any information provided will be treated in strict confidence.

Our recruitment process fully complies with GDPR and all applicable data protection legislation.

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