Finance Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Finance Manager to join our law firm on a permanent basis. This role offers a unique opportunity to step into a high-impact position, initially providing maternity cover for the current Finance Manager while taking ownership of core finance operations, including payroll, accounts payable, month-end close, treasury management, and SRA compliance. Following this period, the successful candidate will continue as part of the finance team, working collaboratively alongside the returning Finance Manager to support strong financial control, timely reporting, and effective stakeholder management.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll and Finance Operations

• Oversee payroll processes in collaboration with HR, ensuring accurate reconciliation between HR data, payroll reports, and payment batches
• Review and manage payroll-related postings and ensure accuracy in financial reporting
• Co-ordinate bank payment imports and ensure the timely release of payments by authorised approvers

Accounts Payable

• Take overall responsibility for the Accounts Payable function, including supervision of the AP Manager
• Ensure all supplier invoices are recorded accurately and on a timely basis
• Oversee payment run preparation and execution
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, resolving invoice and payment queries
• Monitor and analyse trade creditor balances, maintaining trackers for complex or high-value suppliers

Month-End Close and Management Accounts

• Manage the month-end timetable, ensuring the timely closure of all source ledgers
• Prepare and post month-end journals, including payroll, accruals, prepayments, and depreciation
• Perform reconciliations of key balance sheet accounts
• Produce monthly management accounts for review by the Finance Controller and Finance Director
• Deliver initial variance analysis against budget, with clear and concise commentary

Treasury Management

• Oversee daily cash flow reporting, ensuring all firm receipts are processed promptly
• Monitor cash balances and ensure sufficient liquidity for operational requirements
• Ringfence funds for key outflows and manage payment expectations across stakeholders

SRA Client Money Compliance

• Review monthly client cash packs prepared by legal cashiers
• Conduct balance analysis to support COFA sign-off
• Review and authorise payments to claimants prepared by third-party payment providers
• Ensure ongoing compliance with SRA Accounts Rules

Audit and Compliance

• Support preparation for SRA client account audits and annual statutory audits
• Act as the key point of contact for audit walkthroughs and queries within areas of responsibility
• Maintain strong financial controls and documentation to support audit requirements

Requirements:
Skills and Experience

• ACCA or CIMA qualification
• Proven experience within a law firm or regulated professional services environment
• An understanding of SRA Accounts Rules and client money handling
• Experience managing and developing finance team members
• Demonstrated ability to manage month-end processes and meet tight reporting deadlines
• Proficiency in NetSuite and strong Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised with strong time management skills
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership

Benefits:
• 25 days’ annual leave (plus 8 Bank Holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Private pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee referral bonus
• E-bikes and gym discounts (available through salary sacrifice scheme)
• Season ticket loans

Pre-engagement Screening

If we extend an offer of employment to you, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks where local legislation permits and where relevant to your role and to working within a regulated environment. These checks may include, but are not limited to, verification of your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and obtaining work-related references.