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
As a leading National Legal Aid UK law firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions professional growth and innovation. Our commitment to modernising financial operations not only enhances efficiency but also empowers our employees to take on meaningful challenges that drive the firm's success. Located in the heart of London, we offer competitive benefits, a collaborative culture, and ample opportunities for career advancement, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the legal sector.
