At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, improve processes, and provide financial insights for decision-making.
- Company: Join a growing law firm with a collaborative and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a chance to shape the finance function.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance in a high-visibility role.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in financial control and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
We are seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to lead the day-to-day finance function within a growing and ambitious law firm. This role is central to ensuring strong financial control, high-quality reporting, and clear financial insight to support decision-making across the business. The Financial Controller will play a key role in improving processes, strengthening controls, and partnering with leadership to drive performance and profitability. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys operating at both a strategic and operational level.
Key Responsibilities
- Ownership of monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and clear insight
- Full balance sheet responsibility, including reconciliations and control
- Lead cash flow forecasting and ongoing cash management
- Develop and enhance financial reporting to support business performance
- Partner with leadership team to provide financial insight on departmental performance, profitability, and planning
- Support pricing, cost control, and margin improvement initiatives
- Drive improvements in working capital (WIP, debtors, billing processes)
- Lead, develop, and support the finance team
- Foster a collaborative, proactive, and service-oriented finance culture
- Improve capability, accountability, and engagement within the team
- Strengthen financial controls and ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements (including SRA Accounts Rules where applicable)
- Continuously improve finance processes and systems
- Support integration and optimisation of finance and practice management systems
Candidate Profile
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) is essential
- Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role
- Strong track record in management reporting, cash flow management, financial control, team leadership, and process improvement
- Experience within professional services (legal sector desirable)
- Comfortable operating in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
- Able to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders
Key Attributes
- Commercially aware with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving
- Calm, credible, and highly organised
- Strong communicator, able to influence across all levels
- Balanced approach to control and business partnering
- Proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset
Why Join McHale & Co
- Opportunity to shape and develop the finance function in a growing firm
- High visibility role with direct impact on business performance
- Collaborative leadership team and strong organisational values
- Scope to progress as the business continues to grow
Financial Controller in Altrincham employer: McHale & Co Solicitors
McHale & Co is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for a Financial Controller to shape the finance function within a dynamic and ambitious law firm. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional growth, and a proactive work culture, employees are empowered to drive performance and profitability while enjoying high visibility and direct impact on business outcomes. The firm values its people, providing a supportive environment where team development and continuous improvement are at the forefront of its operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Altrincham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those in legal services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding the specific challenges faced by law firms. Show us you’re not just a numbers person but someone who can drive performance and profitability.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our team at McHale & Co.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial control, management reporting, and team leadership to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background in finance aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience in the legal sector if you have it!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and drive performance. We love seeing quantifiable results, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at McHale & Co Solicitors
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and management. Brush up on key metrics related to cash flow, balance sheets, and management accounts. Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and supported your team in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering a collaborative culture and how you’ve driven performance improvements.
✨Understand the Legal Sector
Since this position is within a law firm, it’s crucial to have a grasp of the unique financial challenges faced in professional services. Familiarise yourself with SRA Accounts Rules and be ready to discuss how you can ensure compliance while driving profitability.
✨Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented
The interviewers will be looking for someone who can think on their feet and solve problems effectively. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you identified issues and implemented successful solutions, especially in fast-paced environments.
