Finance Director - Law Firm

My client is seeking an experienced Finance Director to join its leadership team in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

This is a senior strategic role offering the opportunity to lead the firm's financial management, ensure compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules, and play a key role in driving the firm's long-term growth and profitability. The successful candidate will work closely with the Board of Equity Partners while overseeing the day-to-day operation of the finance function.

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading the firm's financial strategy and supporting long-term business planning 
• Preparing budgets, forecasts, management accounts and financial reports 
• Monitoring cash flow, profitability, WIP, lock-up, debtors and billing performance 
• Managing payroll, pensions, PAYE, National Insurance and VAT returns 
• Overseeing year-end accounts and coordinating external audits 
• Ensuring full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and regulatory obligations 
• Managing client accounts, reconciliations and financial controls 
• Supporting the firm's COFA and liaising with reporting accountants and regulatory bodies 
• Providing commercial financial analysis to support business decisions 
• Developing financial reporting, KPIs and performance dashboards 
• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team 
• Assisting with day-to-day legal cashier duties where required 

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or significant equivalent legal finance experience 
• Previous senior finance leadership experience within a UK law firm 
• Strong knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures 
• Experience of financial planning, budgeting and board-level reporting 
• Knowledge of WIP, billing, lock-up, cash flow management and client accounts 
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills 
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational abilities 
• Proficiency with legal practice management systems, Excel and payroll software 
• Ability to support and supervise a small finance team while remaining hands-on when required 

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package 
• Senior leadership position with strategic influence 
• Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing law firm 
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear IT Recruitment Limited.

Please Note:  Due to the number of applications we receive we may be unable to respond to every application directly. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful.