An opportunity has arisen for an experienced & commercially astute Finance Manager to join a well-established & growing law firm in Wiltshire. Reporting directly to the Board of Equity Partners, this pivotal leadership role will drive financial strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, & support the firm's continued growth & profitability.
As Senior Finance Manager, you will provide both strategic & operational financial leadership, ensuring robust controls, compliance with regulatory requirements, & effective financial management across the firm. You will be a trusted adviser to the Board, supporting business decisions, growth initiatives & long-term financial planning.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Develop & deliver the firm's financial strategy in line with business objectives.
- Provide strategic financial advice to the Board on growth, investment opportunities, mergers & acquisitions.
- Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting & cash flow management.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency & overall financial performance.
Financial Management
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, management accounts & KPI reporting.
- Manage cash flow, working capital & liquidity.
- Lead payroll, pension contributions, VAT returns & tax-related matters.
- Coordinate year-end accounts & external audits.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules & all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Oversee client account management, reconciliations & financial governance.
- Work closely with the COFA and liaise with external auditors, reporting accountants & regulatory bodies where required.
Leadership & Commercial Support
- Provide financial insight & analysis relating to pricing, profitability, WIP, lock-up, debtors & billing performance.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to drive business performance through reporting, metrics & process improvements.
- Lead, mentor & develop the finance team while maintaining a hands-on approach when required.
About You - To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Significant senior finance leadership experience gained within a UK law firm.
- Strong knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal sector compliance requirements.
- Proven experience managing legal accounting, client accounts, WIP, billing, lock-up & cash flow.
- A successful track record of working with Boards & senior stakeholders on strategic financial initiatives.
- Excellent commercial awareness, analytical capability & leadership skills.
- Strong systems knowledge, including legal practice management software, Excel & payroll systems.
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification would be advantageous; however, candidates with substantial relevant legal finance experience will also be considered.
What's on Offer?
- Senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence.
- Opportunity to shape the financial future of a growing & ambitious law firm.
- Competitive salary & benefits package.
- Collaborative & supportive working environment.
- Direct involvement in key business decisions & growth initiatives.
If you are an experienced legal finance professional looking to take the next step in your career and play a key role in the strategic direction of a growing law firm, we would welcome your application.