At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, ensure compliance, and enhance reporting processes.
- Company: Reputable independent law firm in London with a collaborative finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to drive automation in finance.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape financial strategies in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5+ years PQE, ideally in the legal sector.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A well-regarded independent London law firm is looking for an experienced Financial Controller to join its finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Working closely with the Finance Director and Commercial Financial Controller, you'll play a key role across cashiering, reporting, revenue and financial compliance, stepping in to cover managers when needed. It's a broad remit with real ownership of your areas and genuine scope to strengthen controls, reporting and process - the firm actively encourages people to bring ideas and make their mark, with a continued focus on automation and systems.
What you'll do:
- Support the firm's compliance with HMRC legislation and the Solicitors' Accounts Rules, working alongside the Client Account Compliance Officer and supporting the COFA.
- Drive lock-up through WIP management, billing and collections.
- Review and approve office and client account payments.
- Support delivery of the year-end financial audit and the SAR compliance audit.
- Maintain robust financial controls, policies and accounting records, and manage financial risk.
- Oversee and enhance key internal and external reporting, and produce management information to support decision-making.
- Analyse and model new initiatives, proposals and financial scenarios.
- Design and deliver best-practice finance training for fee earners, including partners.
- Work with the Financial Systems Manager and IT to drive automation and develop the firm's practice management system.
What we're looking for:
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with at least 5 years PQE.
- Ideally at least 2 years as a Financial Controller within the legal sector.
- Strong understanding of the Solicitors' Accounts Rules.
- Sound knowledge of VAT and partnership tax.
- Proven ability to lead, manage and develop a team.
- Advanced Excel; SQL and Power BI an advantage.
- Experience of Elite 3E beneficial.
- Excellent attention to detail, with experience preparing financial statements and managing audits.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - 12 month FTC in London
Financial Reporting
Compliance with HMRC legislation
Solicitors' Accounts Rules
WIP Management
Billing and Collections
Year-End Financial Audit
Financial Controls
