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- Tasks: Lead finance operations, ensuring smooth processes and strong controls during maternity cover.
- Company: Join a leading international law firm with a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting key financial initiatives.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience and strong operational finance skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment strategy.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An experienced individual to provide senior finance leadership and continuity during maternity leave, ensuring the smooth operation of core finance functions while progressing key initiatives already underway. The role focuses on maintaining stability, strengthening controls, and delivering incremental improvements in line with the existing finance roadmap.
What you'll be doing
- Leadership & Governance
- Provide day-to-day leadership across Billing, Credit Control, Accounts Payable and Treasury
- Act as a trusted deputy to the Global CFO, managing escalations and stakeholder relationships
- Ensure continuity of approach, maintaining progress against agreed priorities
- Uphold strong financial controls and governance throughout the maternity cover period
- Cashiers/AP/Treasury
- Working with the firm's Cashier Supervisor and the wider team across all offices to:
- Support incremental streamlining of treasury processes where appropriate
- Progress bank account rationalisation, where timing and risk allow
- Alongside the CFO, manage relationships with banks and support documentation requirements
- Alongside the CFO, maintain oversight of cash flow, liquidity and funding requirements
- Review and sign off payment runs, including approvals, within the various banking platforms.
- Oversee AP operations using existing accounting systems
- Ensure continuity of service and adherence to controls
- Support the global implementation process of Emburse as the firm’s expense management system
- Provide support to the client cashier team on client account queries
- Revenue team
- Working with the firm's Global Revenue Manager and team (based across all offices) to:
- Oversee global billing operations, ensuring timely, accurate billing and high service levels
- Maintain stability within a well-established billing team
- Manage billing escalations and partner queries as required
- Credit Control
- Working with the firm's Working Capital Manager and credit control team (based across all offices) to:
- Drive improvements in collections efficiency and effectiveness
- Continue implementation of automated debtor communications (email chasers)
- Embed a clear and structured debt escalation framework
- Strengthen accountability with partners and fee earners for aged debt
- Proactively manage high-risk and critical debts
Skills and experience
- Senior finance leadership experience, within a law firm
- Strong operational finance background (billing, collections, AP, Cashiers)
- Proven experience improving credit control and debt management processes
- Good working knowledge of SRA client account rules
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with partners and senior leadership
- Calm, pragmatic and delivery-focused approach
- Comfortable working within constraints and managing complexity
- Ability to manage multiple teams
- Strong IT skills including Excel (advanced) and PowerBI
- Knowledge of Aderant preferred
- Qualified with a recognised professional accounting qualification
Please note: We conduct thorough pre-employment screening checks as part of our recruitment process.
What we can offer you:
We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.
Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.
The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values – We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact London_Recruitment@wfw.com.
Deputy Finance Director employer: Watson Farley & Williams
Contact Detail:
Watson Farley & Williams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in law firms. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your senior finance leadership experience aligns with their needs. Highlight your successes in improving processes and managing teams – they want to see results!
✨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 Deputy Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Deputy Finance Director. Highlight your senior finance leadership experience and operational finance background, especially in billing and credit control. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
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. Mention specific initiatives you've led that relate to maintaining financial stability and improving processes, as these are key to what we need during the maternity cover.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your experience in managing relationships with stakeholders. We value strong communication and collaboration, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations with partners and senior leadership.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watson Farley & Williams
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the firm and be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in billing, collections, and cash flow management in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership across various finance functions. Prepare examples of how you've led teams effectively, managed stakeholder relationships, and maintained stability during transitions. Highlight your ability to uphold financial controls and governance.
✨Understand the Firm's Values
Familiarise yourself with the firm's values: expertise, unity, and care. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own professional philosophy and how you can contribute to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complexity. Think about past challenges you've faced in finance leadership and how you navigated them, especially in high-pressure situations.
