Head of Finance in City of London

Wedlake Bell is recruiting for a Head of Finance to join our growing Accounts & Finance team in a newly‑created position leading our Finance and Revenue functions. This is a full‑time, permanent position. Our Accounts & Finance team plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of our firm by managing day‑to‑day accounting tasks, assisting with financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with accounting procedures and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Line management of the Finance team (4 team members) and the Revenue team (5 team members), providing guidance, supervision and delegating duties as necessary.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of the monthly board reporting pack comprising management accounts, overview commentary and supporting schedules.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of management accounts reporting packs for Practice Group Leaders (PGLs) and Sub‑Group Leaders (SGLs).
• Include monthly variance analysis of significant cost items.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of monthly expenditure reports for Business Support Directors (BSDs).
• Oversee the regular compiling of financial metrics required by key stakeholders.
• Meet regularly with PGLs, SGLs and BSDs to discuss results to date and KPIs.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of quarterly management information reporting packs for the firm's main bankers.
• Oversee planning and budgeting with SGLs and BSDs; agree annual budget drivers and assumptions.
• Responsibility for maintaining chargeable time and billing targets on Elite 3E and managing KPIs.
• Commercial analysis – support and respond to PGLs, SGLs and other stakeholders on request for financial analysis.
• Oversight and ongoing development of management information reporting and KPIs issued to the firm.
• Liaise with Senior BD & Marketing Managers to exchange information on sub‑groups' performance.
• Ensure accuracy of WIP valuations used in monthly reporting.
• Ensure that the firm's policies and procedures in relation to income recognition are up to date.
• Provide assistance where requested on matters relating to VAT.
• Oversee training for new fee earners on how to use management information tools.
• Oversee and deliver accurate monthly financials, balance sheet and P&L reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Oversee preparation of the firm's annual statutory accounts and member’s accounts.
• Oversee annual audits and liaise with the firm’s auditors.
• Oversee the completion of annual legal industry benchmarking surveys.
• Oversee the renewal of firm’s general insurances.
• Preparation of annual partner performance reports as a key input to the profit allocation process.
• Preparation of annual profit‑sharing calculations for senior equity partners.
• Prepare annual targets and budgets for the firm to be approved by the Finance Director, Managing Partner and wider Partners.
• Work with the Systems & Management Accountant to oversee the firm’s accounting IT systems.
• Identify new technology uses within the Accounts & Finance team.
• Work with the Revenue Controller to oversee WIP estimates and monitor exposure levels.
• Identify and monitor at‑risk WIP to prevent unnecessary write‑offs.
• Act as a point of escalation for all WIP issues.
• Oversee Billing functions to ensure the firm is successfully meeting all billing deadlines and targets.
• Act as a point of escalation for all billing issues.
• Work with the Credit Controller to ensure the firm is achieving its cash targets.
• Act as a point of escalation for all credit control issues.
• Maintaining effective firm‑wide policies, in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Dealing with ad‑hoc information requests.
• Supporting due diligence analysis for partner recruitment and potential merger partners.
• Deputise for the Finance Director on occasion, presenting financial reports and analysis to stakeholders.
• Other ad‑hoc responsibilities as required.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Strong background (at least 5 years) leading management accounts for a law firm or similar professional services organisation.
• Hold a university degree in accounting/finance or related subject.
• Strong management experience with effective leadership skills.
• Proficiency in 3E Elite or comparable accounting system preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Have a positive attitude and be proactive.
• Ability to ensure confidentiality of all information is maintained.

A competitive starting salary and bonus. 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events. Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year. Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme. Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one. Enhanced parental leave policies. Employee Assistance Programme with face‑to‑face counselling services. Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships. A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year‑on‑year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members. Our culture is widely recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross‑firm socials and events, you will quickly feel like part of the WB team. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.