Finance Manager

Legal Finance Manager

Hertford / Ware / Loughton

Full-time | Permanent

£65,000 - £75,000

We’re working with a highly regarded regional law firm, who are looking to recruit an experienced Finance Manager to lead their Finance function and manage a team of four.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal finance professional to take on a leadership role, overseeing financial operations, regulatory compliance and reporting while working closely with Partners and the Management Board.

The Role

As Finance Manager, you’ll lead the day-to-day financial operations of the firm, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective cash flow management and compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules.

You’ll manage and develop a team of four, providing financial insight to support business performance, profitability and strategic decision-making. The role will also involve appointment as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA).

Your responsibilities will include

• Leading and managing the Finance function and a team of four
• Preparing monthly management accounts, financial reports and KPI analysis
• Overseeing annual budgets, financial forecasts and variance analysis
• Monitoring profitability, departmental performance, fee income and recovery rates
• Managing lock-up, including work in progress (WIP), debtors and disbursements
• Overseeing billing processes, revenue recognition and matter balances
• Managing cash flow, banking relationships and cash flow forecasting
• Monitoring client and office account balances, including residual client balances
• Ensuring compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and overseeing client account reconciliations
• Acting as COFA and supporting regulatory inspections, audits and annual accountant’s reports
• Working closely with Partners, the Management Board and the firm's COLP on financial performance and compliance
• Overseeing VAT, PAYE, payroll processes and other tax obligations alongside the relevant teams
• Maintaining effective financial controls and identifying opportunities to improve systems and processes
• Supporting the implementation of finance software, reporting tools and management information dashboards
• Coaching, developing and motivating the Finance Team

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in a Finance Manager or similar senior finance role within a law firm
• Able to demonstrate a minimum of 8 years' finance experience within a law firm
• AAT qualified, ACCA, ACA, CIMA qualified or holding an equivalent accounting qualification
• Experienced in managing and developing finance teams
• Confident preparing management accounts, budgets and financial forecasts
• Knowledgeable about the SRA Accounts Rules and legal sector regulatory requirements
• Experienced in cash flow management, financial reporting and banking
• Familiar with VAT, payroll and other relevant tax obligations
• Comfortable using legal accounting software and case management systems
• Highly organised, analytical and commercially aware
• An effective communicator who can build strong relationships with Partners and colleagues across the firm
• Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance

Previous experience holding the position of COFA would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Flexible and hybrid working
• A supportive and nurturing working environment
• A structured career path with opportunities for development and progression
• Firm-wide and fee-earner bonus schemes
• 25 days' annual leave, increasing by one day per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Contributory corporate pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Healthcare Cash Plan following probation
• Access to a financial wellbeing platform
• Regular social events, wellbeing initiatives and team activities

Interested? Apply now or contact Sign in to view email for a confidential discussion.