At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive growth in a dynamic legal aid firm.
- Company: Established National Legal Aid UK law firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape the firm's commercial direction and make a real impact on financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in law firm finance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
An established National Legal Aid UK law firm is seeking a commercially minded, hands‑on, 'sleeves‑rolled‑up' Finance Director to lead financial operations and drive the next phase of growth. The organisation currently relies largely on manual, Excel‑based processes and is seeking a finance leader to modernise its systems, improve efficiency, and enhance revenue and profitability. This role will oversee a finance team, lead strategic financial planning, work closely with the managing partner, and play a key role in shaping the firm’s commercial direction. This may suit an applicant in a Financial Controller position who has reached a glass ceiling or has no prospect of promotion.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Growth
- Partner with the senior leadership team to design and deliver financial strategies supporting sustainable growth and profitability.
- Identify opportunities to improve margins, optimise cost structures, and enhance financial performance.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning.
- Develop scalable processes and systems to support expansion.
- Provide commercial insight and data‑driven recommendations to influence strategic decision‑making.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Solicitors Accounts Rules (SAR), and serve as the COFA.
- Operational Finance Management
- Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Manage general ledger activity, journal entries, and financial transactions.
- Lead credit control and maintain effective cash flow management.
- Supervise accounts payable, including supplier reconciliations and payments.
- Maintain and enhance Excel‑based reporting tools while leading the shift toward more automated systems.
- Support integration between finance and HR systems.
- Lead and mentor a finance team based in London, with collaboration across multiple locations.
- Provide guidance, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
- Foster a culture of teamwork and operational excellence.
Candidate Profile
- Demonstrated experience in law firm finance, ideally including exposure to criminal law or legal aid environments.
- Background in both strategic finance and hands‑on operational tasks (payroll, credit control, AP, GL).
- Proven ability to lead and inspire teams across multiple sites.
- Familiarity with HR systems is advantageous.
- Commercially astute, proactive, and collaborative.
- A successful applicant must live within the M25 area of Greater London.
Financial Director in London employer: Tuckers Solicitors
Tuckers Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets tradition. As a Human Resources Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a respected firm while enjoying a hybrid work setup that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that values collaboration and open communication, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced legal setting.
