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Finance Manager
- Leading Law Firm with offices around Kent, Surrey and London
- Act as London Finance lead - Managing Team of 3
- MUST Have Recent experience working under SRA Solicitors Regulation Authority in a law firm is essential
- Office/ Hybrid
- up to £60k
- Nr Bromley, Kent
About Our Client
Our Client is an Leading law firm that provides legal services to clients in a variety of areas, including: Complex litigation, Regulatory and policy, Intellectual property, and Corporate and transactional matters.The firm has offices around London, Kent and Surrey - Circa 85- 100 staff
Job Description
- Reporting to the Managing Partner and Compliance Officers
- Controlling and reconciling deposit accounts
- Checking bills (and credit notes) and allocating bill numbers
- Sending CHAPS, BACS & International payments using Barclays.net
- Dealing with incoming CHAPS payments
- Reconciling client and office accounts
- Interest calculations
- Purchase Ledger
- Month and Year end reconciliations
- Liaising with Accountants on Solicitors Accountants Rules (SAR) Audit
- Liaising with Accountants for quarterly Management Accountants
- Monthly management reports and briefings for Partner Meetings
- Monthly fee-earner information packs
- Providing financial figures for Practice Managers/Partners as required
- VAT returns
- Checking completion statements
- Managing workloads of team ensuring compliance throughout
- Leads year-end billing and collection efforts, coordinating London meetings and accelerating billing where needed.
- Leadership of team of 3
- Oversees team performance, development, and training, managing evaluations and addressing any issues with office management.
- Provides coverage for direct reports as needed.
- Allocates team resources for effective service, providing after-hours support if necessary.
- Supports monthly financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, assessing office performance and presenting insights to leadership.
- Implements global accounting practices with the U.S. GL team, overseeing month-end close and reconciliations to meet internal and SRA standards.
- Manages Firm bank accounts, daily transactions, and leads treasury initiatives, liaising with bank contacts as needed.
- Oversees accounts payable, ensuring timely payments in line with Firm policies and regulations.
- Leads SRA year-end audit, working closely with auditors, COFA, and senior leadership.
- Works with the COFA and Talent Director to manage London client accounting and compliance, coordinating with various teams to ensure SRA and Firm policies are followed.
- Conducts monthly 1:1 billing attorney meetings, assisted by the Billing Coordinator and Personal Assistant.
- Collaborates with attorneys, support staff, and clients on collections and escalates non-payment issues to senior leadership.
- Manages billing processes, ensuring accuracy in edits, invoices, and reporting.
- Oversees daily receipt posting and coordinates with lawyers to resolve payment-related issues and ensure funds are properly allocated.
The Successful Applicant
- Recent experience working under SRA Solicitors Regulation Authority in a law firm is essential
- Minimum of three years' finance management experience in the legal industry
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; equivalent experience may substitute for education
- Proven ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including senior Firm members
- Skilled in managing a small finance team, coordinating workflow, providing feedback, and conducting annual reviews
- Track record of delivering high-quality client service to both internal and external contacts
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with lawyers, staff, vendors, and clients
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills to handle deadlines and daily demands in a dynamic environment
- Solid knowledge of fundamental accounting principles and internal controls
- Understanding of VAT across multiple jurisdictions
- Preferred experience with 3E or similar accounting systems
- Experience with e-billing, including eBillingHub and common third-party vendor platforms
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
