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- Tasks: Lead and oversee finance operations across European offices, driving strategy and compliance.
- Company: Prestigious international law firm with a strong focus on collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and influence in strategic decision-making.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant visibility and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a leading law firm and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in finance, with strong leadership and technical accounting skills.
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.
Director of Finance - Europe employer: Ryder Reid
Contact Detail:
Ryder Reid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance - Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the finance sector, especially those in law firms. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s financial strategies and recent developments. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their business and can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience leading finance teams and how you’ve driven process improvements. Make it clear how your skills align with their needs for the Director of Finance role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance - Europe
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 is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership in finance and how you've driven process improvements in previous positions.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement: We value strong relationships with senior stakeholders. In your application, mention instances where you've successfully engaged with partners or executive leadership. This will show us you can navigate our complex environment with ease.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ryder Reid
✨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 approach to stakeholder engagement. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with partners and executive leadership to influence financial strategy and decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Compliance is crucial in this role, so make sure you understand the financial policies and controls relevant to law firms. Be ready to talk about your experience with client money procedures and any audits you've overseen, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.