At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and reporting for a dynamic legal services group.
- Company: W & P Legal Group, a progressive legal services provider in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and death in service benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the finance function and make a real impact in a growing legal group.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal accounts, knowledge of SRA/CLC rules, and proficiency in Xero and CLIO.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Finance Manager / Financial Controller – Full‑Time, Market Deeping (with one day per week in Leicester) – Competitive Salary Open to all levels of experience.
About the W & P Legal Group
The W & P Legal Group is a growing and progressive legal services group comprising two established trading companies: W & P Legal and Bright Legal Solicitors. Operating across offices in Market Deeping and Leicester, we provide a broad range of legal services to individuals and businesses across England and Wales.
The Role
This is a standalone, sole‑function finance role – you will be the heartbeat of the Group’s financial operations, working closely with and reporting directly to the Directors. You will have complete ownership of all financial processes across both companies, ensuring accuracy, compliance and robust financial reporting. The role is primarily based at our Market Deeping office, with one day per week in Leicester. Hybrid working will be available following successful completion of a six‑month probationary period.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Preparation and delivery of accurate monthly management accounts for both trading entities
- Cashflow forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis
- Liaising with the Senior Management Team on financial performance and strategic planning
- Year‑end accounts preparation and working with external accountants and auditors
- SRA Compliance & Client Account
- Full responsibility for SRA client account management and reconciliation in accordance with the SRA Accounts Rules
- Ensuring ongoing compliance with all SRA financial regulatory requirements
- Maintaining robust controls and audit trails across client and office accounts
- Systems & Software
- Day‑to‑day operation of Xero accounting software for both entities
- Working within the CLIO case management system to ensure accurate financial data integration
- Identifying and implementing process improvements to maximise efficiency
- General Finance Operations
- Processing and oversight of accounts payable and receivable
- Bank reconciliations across office and client accounts
- Payroll oversight and co‑ordination
- Any other financial duties commensurate with the role
About You
We are open to candidates at all levels – whether you are part‑qualified, fully qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), or qualified by experience – provided you bring the right skills, attitude and legal finance background.
- A minimum of 2–3 years’ experience working in a legal accounts environment within a law firm in England and Wales (more experience is strongly welcomed)
- Solid, working knowledge of the SRA or CLC Accounts Rules and demonstrable experience applying them
- Hands‑on experience with CLIO case management software
- Proficiency with Xero accounting software
- Strong attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach
- The ability to work independently as a sole finance function, using your own initiative
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to present financial information clearly to non‑finance stakeholders
- A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
- Full‑time, permanent role with a supportive and forward‑thinking senior management team
- Hybrid working following successful completion of the six‑month probationary period
- Death in Service Benefits after a qualifying period
- Private Medical Insurance after a qualifying period
- The opportunity to shape and own the finance function across a growing legal group
- A varied and engaging role across two distinct legal brands
How to Apply
If you have the experience and drive to take on this exciting and pivotal role within the W & P Legal Group, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via LinkedIn with your up‑to‑date CV and a brief covering note explaining your suitability for the role, including your experience with SRA/CLC Accounts Rules, CLIO, and Xero.
W & P Legal Group is an equal opportunities employer.
Financial Controller employer: W&P Legal
The W & P Legal Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Market Deeping, with the added flexibility of hybrid working after a successful probation period. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive private medical insurance, and the unique opportunity to shape the finance function within a growing legal group, all while being part of a forward-thinking team that values professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and legal sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial operations. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with SRA/CLC Accounts Rules and software like Xero and CLIO.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your financial expertise clearly, especially when discussing complex topics. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the W & P Legal Group and being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience with SRA/CLC Accounts Rules, CLIO, and Xero. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to shine! Keep it brief but impactful. Explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and mention any relevant experience. We love a proactive approach!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As a finance role, attention to detail is key. Make sure there are no typos or formatting issues in your application. We appreciate a methodical and organised approach, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at W&P Legal
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around SRA and CLC Accounts Rules. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the legal finance landscape.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Familiarise yourself with Xero and CLIO before the interview. If you can, prepare examples of how you've used these systems to improve efficiency or accuracy in your past roles. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and tech-savviness.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial situations, like cashflow forecasting or budget variance analysis. Think through your past experiences and be ready to share how you approached similar challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be presenting financial information to non-finance stakeholders, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with the Senior Management Team.
