We’re working with a highly regarded regional law firm, who are looking to recruit an experienced Finance Manager to lead their Finance function and manage a team of four.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal finance professional to take on a leadership role, overseeing financial operations, regulatory compliance and reporting while working closely with Partners and the Management Board.
The Role
As Finance Manager, you’ll lead the day-to-day financial operations of the firm, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective cash flow management and compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules.
You’ll manage and develop a team of four, providing financial insight to support business performance, profitability and strategic decision-making. The role will also involve appointment as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA).
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and managing the Finance function and a team of four
- Preparing monthly management accounts, financial reports and KPI analysis
- Overseeing annual budgets, financial forecasts and variance analysis
- Monitoring profitability, departmental performance, fee income and recovery rates
- Managing lock-up, including work in progress (WIP), debtors and disbursements
- Overseeing billing processes, revenue recognition and matter balances
- Managing cash flow, banking relationships and cash flow forecasting
- Monitoring client and office account balances, including residual client balances
- Ensuring compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and overseeing client account reconciliations
- Acting as COFA and supporting regulatory inspections, audits and annual accountant’s reports
- Working closely with Partners, the Management Board and the firm's COLP on financial performance and compliance
- Overseeing VAT, PAYE, payroll processes and other tax obligations alongside the relevant teams
- Maintaining effective financial controls and identifying opportunities to improve systems and processes
- Supporting the implementation of finance software, reporting tools and management information dashboards
- Coaching, developing and motivating the Finance Team
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in a Finance Manager or similar senior finance role within a law firm
- Able to demonstrate a minimum of 8 years' finance experience within a law firm
- AAT qualified, ACCA, ACA, CIMA qualified or holding an equivalent accounting qualification
- Experienced in managing and developing finance teams
- Confident preparing management accounts, budgets and financial forecasts
- Knowledgeable about the SRA Accounts Rules and legal sector regulatory requirements
- Experienced in cash flow management, financial reporting and banking
- Familiar with VAT, payroll and other relevant tax obligations
- Comfortable using legal accounting software and case management systems
- Highly organised, analytical and commercially aware
- An effective communicator who can build strong relationships with Partners and colleagues across the firm
- Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance
Previous experience holding the position of COFA would be advantageous.
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Flexible and hybrid working
- A supportive and nurturing working environment
- A structured career path with opportunities for development and progression
- Firm-wide and fee-earner bonus schemes
- 25 days' annual leave, increasing by one day per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Healthcare Cash Plan following probation
- Access to a financial wellbeing platform
- Regular social events, wellbeing initiatives and team activities
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Legal Finance Manager in Hertford employer: Oculus Legal Group
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