Head of Finance - Legal

London Source: WhatJobs

£65,000–£95,000

You must have at least 5 years working for a legal company.

North London / Hertfordshire / Essex - Full-time Hybrid following probation

A well-established, highly regarded regional law firm is looking for a Finance professional to lead its finance function and manage an experienced team.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role for someone who understands the operational, commercial and regulatory demands of legal finance. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the finance team while providing accurate reporting, strong controls and practical financial insight to senior stakeholders and partners.

The role will initially be predominantly office-based during probation, with hybrid working available thereafter.

The Role

Lead, support and develop a finance team covering purchase ledger, finance administration, credit control and legal cashiering.
Oversee all day-to-day finance operations, ensuring an accurate, efficient and responsive service to the firm.
Produce management accounts, budgets, forecasts, cashflow reporting and financial analysis for senior leadership.
Oversee billing, lock-up, WIP, debtor management and collections activity.
Ensure full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and robust management of client and office accounts.
Maintain strong financial controls, processes and reconciliations.
Support VAT, payroll, audit preparation and wider statutory or regulatory reporting.
Work closely with partners and departmental leaders, providing commercial insight and helping to improve financial performance.
Support ongoing systems and process improvements, including legal practice-management and finance systems.

About You

At least five years' experience in a senior finance role within a legal practice.
Strong working knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules, legal cashiering and the management of client money.
Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and cashflow reporting.
Proven people-management experience, with the ability to lead a small, established finance team.
Commercially minded, detail-focused and confident working with senior stakeholders and partners.
Comfortable balancing strategic finance responsibilities with hands-on operational oversight.
Experience with legal accounting or practice-management systems would be advantageous.
Previous COFA experience would be welcomed but is not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a respected law firm's finance function and play a key part in its continued development.