Contract Legal Finance Manager

We are seeking a Contract Legal Finance Manager to join our Operational Finance team on an initial 3–6 month contract. Reporting directly to the Head of Operational Finance, you will work closely with managers across all finance functions to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Billing, Credit Control, and Supplier Payments. This role is critical in maintaining business-as-usual operations while supporting the team managers as they focus on a major project to replace our current finance system.

This is a rare opportunity to gain exposure to all areas of finance operations within a large law firm, and a strong sense of prioritisation and flexibility are a must for the successful candidate. This role is based in Bristol and requires office attendance. Individuals must reside within commutable distance to our Bristol office. You will be paid on a day-rate via an umbrella company.

Your Role

• Travel Approvals – Review and approve/reject all out-of-policy travel spend and inter-office travel.
• Payment Approvals – Authorise all payment runs for the Purchase Ledger team via Barclays.net.
• Rota Planning – Manage weekly team schedules to ensure full coverage.
• Cashflow Management – Update daily cashflow forecasts with expected income and expenditure.
• Bank Reconciliations – Complete daily reconciliations and post standing orders/direct debits.
• Client Account Reconciliations – Perform and sign off monthly reconciliations.
• Performance Reporting – Prepare monthly stats, KPIs, and financial control reports.
• Risk & Finance Reporting – Collate PowerPoint slides for partner meetings.
• Receipts Review – Monitor third-party payor receipts and act as escalation point.
• Trust Account Oversight – Conduct monthly reviews and manual reconciliations of sole accounts.
• Team Oversight – Manage Topdesk ticketing system across all teams.
• Debt Management – Review “no chase” debt list and oversee monthly debt provisions.
• Policy Queries – Handle queries related to debt retention policy and reporting.
• Billing Management – Oversee complex billing queries, attend issue-resolution meetings, and manage month-end billing cycles, including prioritisation and resourcing.
• E-Billing – Oversee the E-billing ledger and attend monthly meetings.
• Revenue Control – Oversee the Revenue Controllers, produce monthly KPI’s and track progress.

Your Skills and Experience

• Legal finance experience in a management/team leader position.
• Experience on SOS (Solicitors Own Software) finance platforms.
• Strong initiative, teamwork ethic, adaptability and flexibility.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks.
• Strong communication skills at all levels.
• Leadership capability with coaching and supporting a team both in person and remotely.
• Ability to think laterally to solve problems within an evolving finance team.

About TLT

Fast-paced, fast-growing and forward-thinking, TLT is the law firm that helps clients stay one step ahead, and we do the same for our people. We work with high-profile clients in innovative sectors. With local, national and international reach, we have over 1,800 people in offices across the UK and a network of partner firms across Europe, India and the US.

TLT was named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2023, the third year in a row at industry awards – having previously been named Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards in 2021 and the British Legal Awards in 2022. Our purpose is to protect, prepare and progress our clients for what comes next and it’s essential that we do the same for our people, our planet and our communities too.

In our open and collaborative culture, we encourage everyone to be their whole self, to have a voice and to contribute.

Equality and Inclusion

TLT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and encourages applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by the laws in the locations in which we operate. We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments, where necessary, to make interviews and jobs more accessible.

Should you have any difficulty during the recruitment process, require any reasonable adjustments, or an application to Access to Work, please contact the recruitment team on Recruitment.Operations@TLT.com.