Head of Finance - legal sector

Financial Management & Analysis:

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger.
• Prepare and analyse monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements in a timely manner with relevant accounting standards.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Analyse operating expenses and recommend reductions or adjustments as needed.
• Review of the firm’s accounting processes in terms of Xero and LEAP, ensuring that correct data is being submitted.
• Budgeting / forecasting / cash flow management
• Monthly bank reconciliations and ledger management
• Managing client accounts in line with Solicitor Accounts Rules
• Processing VAT returns
• Monthly review of fee earner targets to ensure that the systems data is correct and accurate. Support the senior management team with the provision of any analysis and presentations required for the annual budgets.

Risk Management:

• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure the firm’s financial policies are robust and adhered to.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise the accounts team, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team performance.

Reporting & Communication:

• Monthly review of the firm’s accounts and preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Provision of financial analysis to the senior management team of fee earners across the practice groups, answering queries and providing commercial insight and commentary where relevant.
• Managing Audit process - SRA
• Month-end reporting - Billings/Aged Debtors/Payments/Receipts
• Support the senior management team with any sector specific analysis and queries.

Qualifications

An ACA/ACCA qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration

Minimum 4 years of experience in finance within a law firm

Strong knowledge of financial regulations, SRA rules and best practices in finance within a law firm

Attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Experience dealing with LEAP highly desirable