Finance Director - COFA / HOFA

Our client is a diverse high growth group of companies operating across the Professional, Financial and Legal Services Sector within the UK.

As part of the companies continued expansion, FRS have been engaged to assist with the recruitment of a Finance Leader (Ideally qualfied) to join the business.

This position is well suited to those that have or aspire to operate as Financial Controller or Finance Director within this sector.

The succesful candidate will play a critical role in steering the financial direction of the Group.You will be responsible for the financial health of the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls and reporting, and driving strategic financial initiatives across our diverse business sectors. This role will involve close collaboration with the CEO and other members of the senior leadership team.

Alongside the above candidates will assume key regulatory repsisibility as HOFA and or COFA

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company’s long-term objectives.
• Provide expert financial guidance to the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Identify and assess financial risks and opportunities, providing actionable insights to support business growth.

Financial Management and Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and management accounts.
• Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements, both internal and external.
• Manage cash flow, investment strategies, and capital structure to optimize financial performance.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Serve as the HOFA and COFA for our legal businesses, ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and other regulatory bodies.
• Monitor and manage all financial compliance obligations, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and financial reporting standards.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and ensure that all statutory returns are completed accurately and on time.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.
• Mentor and coach finance staff, ensuring the team is well-equipped to support the company’s financial needs.
• Work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to build a high-performing finance function.

Operational Efficiency:

• Oversee financial operations across all business units, ensuring efficient and effective financial processes.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard the company’s assets.
• Drive process improvements and technological advancements within the finance function.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the primary point of contact for financial matters with external stakeholders, including auditors, banks, and investors.
• Present financial performance and strategic plans to the board of directors and senior leadership team.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure alignment of financial objectives with overall business goals.

The ideal candidate will be formally qualfied in ACA, ACCA, CIMA and have previous experience gained operating in a leadership position ideally with a Law Firm or AN other regulated business.Those that are QBE or P/Q that have demonstrated expeirence in such a role with legal services will be considered.

Candidates should have a In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, particularly SRA regulations, AML, and financial reporting standards.Ideally experience in holding HOFA and COFA roles but not essential as long as candidates are willing to step into this position.

Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to drive financial performance and manage risks.Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.

In return my client is able to offer a competitive basic salary coupled with excellent benefits and bonus