Financial Controller

Our client is one of the largest legal practices in Kent. They offer a wide range of services specifically for businesses together with legal support for you as an individual. With over 230 years of history they have some very long standing clients.

They are now looking for an experienced Financial Controller, this role will manage all aspects of the finance function within the Company. To provide monthly financial forecasts for the Board and analysis of all areas of the business including a monthly cashflow. To assist the Finance Director in the preparation of annual financial budgets and fee earning targets for Board approval. To manage all statutory reporting and to implement financial controls and governance that is suitable for a growing business. A strong business acumen is required, with the ability to provide advice to the Board (essential).

Responsibilities

• Management of the accounts department and team
• Maintenance of thorough understanding of SRA procedures and compliance with regulatory requirements including solicitors’ accounts rules
• Oversight of financial accounting activities
• Production of monthly management information including trial balance; utilisation and recovery rates; gross profitability by fee earner, client and matter and other KPIs as necessary (including around profitability per fee earner and maximisation of chargeable time).
• Preparation of management accounts and cashflow forecasts for the Board.
• Work proactively with department heads to minimise WIP balances and maximise fee billing each month.
• Management of all statutory reporting, including preparation of VAT returns and PAYE and other taxation
• Implementation of appropriate financial controls and governance and driving continuous improvement of accounting practices
• Analysis of financial data and preparation of reports for the Board
• Leading the financial planning and annual budgeting processes to optimise financial performance.
• Working with Managing Director/Finance Director with the preparation of annual expenditure budgets
• Management of the initial credit control function, on a daily basis send out emails/letters as produced by the system, checking accounts for any balances or fee earner notes
• Payroll and benefit administration - working alongside the HR Manager to administer payroll and pensions
• Calculation of and interest payments to clients
• Ensuring all card payments are allocated either from Worldpay or via the phone/receptions at all offices
• Assisting the company’s accountants with the year end audit and preparation of practice and company accounts
• Liaison with external advisers such as accountants and bankers as necessary.
• Ensuring that the Company receives the maximum deposit interest rate on all deposit accounts owned and managed by the business.
• Negotiation and arrangement of insurance for premises, equipment and employer’s liability
• Provision of leadership and guidance to the Legal Cashiers team, ensuring accurate and efficient service
• Ensuring frequent banking as often as necessary
• Maintenance and balancing of petty cash
• Posting of monthly expenses
• Raising of any necessary cheques and checking and posting any bills raised on the system; checking invoices not sent by email automatically and ensuring submission to clients
• Maintenance of Central Services budget spreadsheet and circulating to all Central Services managers
• Participation in the wider Central Services team and input into the day-to-day operations of the Company
• Support the Managing Director on bonus and incentive schemes to encourage and improve Company and Fee Earner performance.
• Other duties as deemed necessary to fulfil the role

Candidate Profile

• Relevant Qualifications such as AAT / CIMA / ACCA / ACS (or qualified by experience)
• In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of SRA Accounts rules
• Previously experience in the legal sector, either at a similar level/capacity or senior support role.
• Knowledge of payroll and benefit administration
• Strong communicator with high levels of interpersonal skills to form trusted advisor status with the Board
• Ability to handle the complexities and volume of transactions
• Ability to demonstrate leadership qualities

Important Notice

It is Career Legal’s policy, as a matter of courtesy, to respond to all applications within three working days. However because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to respond to individual candidates. If we have not contacted you within three working days your application has been unsuccessful and your details have not been retained. Please apply for any other position that you may see in the future. Thank you.

Career Legal is a Recruitment Agency and is advertising this permanent vacancy on behalf of one of its Clients.