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- Tasks: Lead finance operations across Europe, managing teams and driving financial strategy.
- Company: Prestigious international law firm with a strong focus on collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Influential role with opportunities for professional development and strategic impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with significant career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a leading law firm and influence key decisions.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in finance, with strong leadership and technical skills in accounting.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
A leading international law firm is seeking an experienced Director of Finance - Europe to oversee and lead its European finance operations. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility across London and the firm's European offices, working closely with partners and senior management at both regional and global level.
The successful candidate will play a key role in financial strategy, operational excellence, compliance, and supporting long-term business planning across the European platform.
The Role
Reporting to the Global CFO and European COO, the Director of Finance will be responsible for all aspects of financial management across the firm's European offices, including general ledger, accounts payable, treasury (including client trust accounts), revenue control, and financial reporting and planning.
You will lead and develop finance teams, act as a key liaison between Europe and the global finance function, and partner closely with senior stakeholders across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day finance operations and teams across London and European offices
- Oversee European general ledger and balance sheet management, ensuring timely reconciliations and issue resolution
- Lead European budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with partners and practice leadership
- Deliver monthly financial reporting, analysis, and variance commentary
- Oversee treasury operations, cash flow management, and working capital performance
- Act as COFA, with responsibility for client money procedures, controls, and annual SAR audit
- Oversee billing and revenue control in partnership with the Revenue Manager
- Input into pricing and matter planning decisions
- Ensure compliance with firmwide and local financial policies, controls, and best practices
- Drive process improvement, automation, and efficiency across finance operations
- Lead the implementation and roll-out of financial systems and applications in Europe
- Liaise with external tax advisers and internal tax teams to support UK, German, and Belgian tax filings
- Provide financial insight and support to European senior management and strategic initiatives
- Support firm-wide and ad hoc projects as directed by leadership
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience leading finance teams within a law firm or professional services environment
- Strong technical knowledge across accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, billing, and collections
- Experience with partnership accounting and tax strongly preferred
- Track record of senior stakeholder engagement, including partners and executive leadership
- Ability to operate with discretion, autonomy, and sound judgement in a complex environment
- Excellent communication, analytical, and presentation skills
- Strong process-improvement mindset with experience streamlining and automating workflows
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (or UK equivalent) in Accounting or a related discipline
- 7+ years' relevant finance and accounting experience
- Minimum 5 years' management experience within a law firm or professional services firm
- Extensive experience with Elite 3E or a similar ERP system
Why Apply?
This is a highly visible, influential role offering the opportunity to shape and lead European finance operations within a prestigious international law firm. You'll work closely with regional and global leadership, influence strategic decision-making, and play a key role in supporting the firm's continued growth across Europe.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to all enquiries. If you have not received a response within 72 hours, please assume you have not been shortlisted at this stage, however thank you for taking the time to apply.
Director of Finance - Europe in London employer: Ryder Reid Legal Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ryder Reid Legal Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance - Europe in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and legal sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its culture. Understand their financial operations and challenges. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can lead their European finance strategy to success!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Director of Finance. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with your delivery and to receive constructive feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for top talent like you to join our network and help shape the future of finance in law firms across Europe.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance - Europe in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial management, especially within law firms or professional services. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your achievements in finance and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead teams effectively. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed finance operations in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ryder Reid Legal Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the law firm sector, such as revenue control and cash flow management. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've led finance teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing day-to-day operations and driving process improvements, especially in a professional services environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll be liaising with senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with partners and executive leadership in previous roles, and how you’ve influenced strategic decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Compliance is crucial in this role, so make sure you’re familiar with financial policies and controls within a law firm context. Be ready to discuss your experience with client money procedures and any relevant audits you've overseen.