Deputy Finance Director

An experienced individual to provide senior finance leadership and continuity during maternity leave, ensuring the smooth operation of core finance functions while progressing key initiatives already underway. The role focuses on maintaining stability, strengthening controls, and delivering incremental improvements in line with the existing finance roadmap.

What you'll be doing:

Leadership & Governance

• Provide day-to-day leadership across Billing, Credit Control, Accounts Payable and Treasury
• Act as a trusted deputy to the Global CFO, managing escalations and stakeholder relationships
• Ensure continuity of approach, maintaining progress against agreed priorities
• Uphold strong financial controls and governance throughout the maternity cover period

Cashiers/AP/Treasury

- Working with the firm's Cashier Supervisor and the wider team across all offices to:

• Support incremental streamlining of treasury processes where appropriate
• Progress bank account rationalisation, where timing and risk allow
• Alongside the CFO, manage relationships with banks and support documentation requirements
• Alongside the CFO, maintain oversight of cash flow, liquidity and funding requirements
• Review and sign off payment runs, including approvals, within the various banking platforms.
• Oversee AP operations using existing accounting systems
• Ensure continuity of service and adherence to controls
• Support the global implementation process of Emburse as the firm's expense management system
• Provide support to the client cashier team on client account queries

Revenue team

- Working with the firm's Global Revenue Manager and team (based across all offices) to:

• Oversee global billing operations, ensuring timely, accurate billing and high service levels
• Maintain stability within a well-established billing team
• Manage billing escalations and partner queries as required

Credit Control

- Working with the firm's Working Capital Manager and credit control team (based across all offices) to:

• Drive improvements in collections efficiency and effectiveness
• Continue implementation of automated debtor communications (email chasers)
• Embed a clear and structured debt escalation framework
• Strengthen accountability with partners and fee earners for aged debt
• Proactively manage high-risk and critical debts

Skills and experience:

• Senior finance leadership experience, within a law firm
• Strong operational finance background (billing, collections, AP, Cashiers)
• Proven experience improving credit control and debt management processes
• Good working knowledge of SRA client account rules
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with partners and senior leadership
• Calm, pragmatic and delivery-focused approach
• Comfortable working within constraints and managing complexity
• Ability to manage multiple teams
• Strong IT skills including Excel (advanced) and PowerBI
• Knowledge of Aderant preferred
• Qualified with a recognised professional accounting qualification

Please note:

We conduct thorough pre-employment screening checks as part of our recruitment process.

What we can offer you:

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.

The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact London_Recruitment@wfw.com.