At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage payroll, and ensure compliance in a dynamic law firm.
- Company: Join a reputable law firm with a strong focus on financial integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Step into a high-impact role and make a difference in finance management.
- Qualifications: ACCA or CIMA qualified with experience in finance team management.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Finance Manager to join our law firm on a permanent basis. This role offers a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact position, initially providing maternity cover for the current Finance Manager while taking ownership of core finance operations, including payroll, accounts payable, month-end close, treasury management, and SRA compliance. Following this period, the successful candidate will continue as part of the finance team, working collaboratively alongside the returning Finance Manager to support strong financial control, timely reporting, and effective stakeholder management.
Payroll and Finance Operations
- Oversee payroll processes in collaboration with HR, ensuring accurate reconciliation between HR data, payroll reports, and payment batches
- Review and manage payroll-related postings and ensure accuracy in financial reporting
- Co-ordinate bank payment imports and ensure the timely release of payments by authorised approvers
Accounts Payable
- Take overall responsibility for the Accounts Payable function, including supervision of the AP Manager
Month-End Close and Management Accounts
- Manage the month-end timetable, ensuring the timely closure of all source ledgers
- Prepare and post month-end journals, including payroll, accruals, prepayments, and depreciation
- Perform reconciliations of key balance sheet accounts
- Produce monthly management accounts for review by the Finance Controller and Finance Director
- Deliver initial variance analysis against budget, with clear and concise commentary
Treasury Management
- Review monthly client cash packs prepared by legal cashiers
- Conduct balance analysis to support COFA sign-off
- Ensure ongoing compliance with SRA Accounts Rules
Audit and Compliance
- Support preparation for SRA client account audits and annual statutory audits
- Act as the key point of contact for audit walkthroughs and queries within areas of responsibility
- Maintain strong financial controls and documentation to support audit requirements
Qualifications and Skills
- ACCA or CIMA qualification
- An understanding of SRA Accounts Rules and client money handling
- Experience managing and developing finance team members
- Proficiency in NetSuite and strong Excel skills
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus 8 Bank Holidays)
- Private medical insurance
- Private pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Employee assistance programme
- Employee referral bonus
- E-bikes and gym discounts (available through salary sacrifice scheme)
- Season ticket loans
If we extend an offer of employment to you, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks where local legislation permits and where relevant to your role and to working within a regulated environment. These checks may include, but are not limited to, verification of your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and obtaining work-related references.
Commercial Finance Senior Manager employer: Pogust Goodhead
Pogust Goodhead is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our Group Litigation team is dedicated to impactful legal work, providing associates with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development while working on landmark cases that make a difference. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being and a supportive culture, we empower our team members to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to justice and strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Senior Manager
✨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.
✨Get Certified
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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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 Pogust Goodhead. 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 Commercial Finance Senior Manager
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 Pogust Goodhead.
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 Pogust Goodhead'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 Pogust Goodhead
✨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 Pogust Goodhead.
✨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 Pogust Goodhead 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 Pogust Goodhead 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.
