Finance Manager in Loughton, Essex

My client, an award-winning regional law firm, is looking for an experienced Finance Manager to lead its finance function and manage a team of four.

This is an excellent opportunity for a confident legal finance professional to take ownership of the firm's financial operations, reporting, cash flow and regulatory compliance, while working closely with Partners and the Management Board to support the firm's continued success.

The successful candidate will be joining a collaborative team that values its employees, offers clear career progression and flexible hybrid working, and provides the opportunity to make a real impact within an established and respected law firm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the firm's day-to-day financial operations, reporting and controls.
• Manage and develop the finance team of four.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reports.
• Monitor cash flow, billing, profitability, WIP, debtors and disbursements.
• Ensure compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and undertake the role of COFA.
• Manage banking relationships, cash flow forecasts and borrowing requirements.
• Oversee VAT, PAYE, payroll and statutory compliance.
• Support year-end accounts, external audits and regulatory reviews.
• Improve financial systems, processes and reporting to support business performance.

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of eight years' finance experience within a law firm and a recognised accounting qualification (AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules, legal compliance and client account reconciliations.
• Proven experience in management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and legal billing, including WIP, debtors and disbursements.
• Experience managing a finance team and using legal accounting software and case management systems.
•  Knowledge of VAT, PAYE, payroll and statutory compliance requirements.
• Previous COFA experience would be advantageous; the successful candidate will be required to undertake the role.

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working.
• 25 days' annual leave, increasing by one day per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days.
• Contributory corporate pension scheme.
• Firm-wide and fee-earner bonus schemes.
• Healthcare Cash Plan following the probationary period.
• Employee Assistance Programme and financial wellbeing support.
• Supportive working environment with regular staff events, office lunches and social activities.

Due to the high volume of interest we receive for each vacancy, we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard from our team within 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Please refrain from calling the office to check the status of your application or to discuss the role; this allows us to dedicate our time to the shortlisting process. We will retain your CV on file for future opportunities that may be a match for your skills and experience.