Head of Commercial Finance

Burges Salmon LLP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking a Senior Finance Leader to join their team in Bristol. You will oversee financial operations, lead the Commercial Finance team, and ensure compliance with financial standards. The role requires a qualified accountant with strong leadership and communication skills, capable of driving strategic financial initiatives and fostering a collaborative culture within the firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in business partnering and driving change.
• Confident communicator with analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Commercial Finance team and oversee budgets and management accounts.
• Drive financial projects to enhance efficiencies and client service.
• Manage financial reporting and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Education

Qualified Accountant

Tools

Excel

Aderant Expert

Job description

Role Overview

You will be an integral member of the Senior Finance Leadership Team, collaborating closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and responsible for the Finance Business Partners, Pricing Business Partner, Financial Accounts, and Client Reporting teams. Your role involves leading the Commercial Finance team to provide valuable financial insights, overseeing budgets, reforecasting, management accounts, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. You will foster a first-class business partnering culture.

Actively lead financial projects to drive efficiencies, client service, and compliance, demonstrating strong leadership and effective stakeholder communication.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

• Contribute to the development and review of the finance department strategy, focusing on financial reporting and business partnering.
• Support the delivery of the finance strategy and lead relevant elements of the Finance Improvement Plan (“FIP”).
• Promote the finance department within the firm.
• Lead the Finance Partner Forum (“FPF”) to drive strategic and operational performance.

Budgetary Control

• Lead budget and forecast preparation, presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Encourage business partnering through regular review meetings with budget holders.
• Refine project budgets and report on project portfolio expenditures.
• Ensure accurate insights and reporting for performance evaluation.

Business Partnering

• Understand key financial drivers, review KPIs, and support improvement plans.
• Develop and improve business intelligence tools and reporting.
• Support operational efficiencies and profitability through pricing, matter budgets, and financial analysis.
• Lead pricing services and develop training on financial governance and commercial awareness.

Financial and Client Reporting

• Oversee preparation of consolidated financial statements and manage external audits.
• Manage monthly/quarterly management accounts and improve reporting processes.
• Produce cashflow reports, forecasts, and ad hoc reports as needed.
• Lead the client reporting team to ensure timely, accurate reporting, and drive process improvements.

General Management

• Participate in the senior leadership team and overall department management.
• Drive positive change, automation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to support high-quality support to the firm.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified accountant and collaborative leader with relationship-building and change management skills.
• Effective self-management and flexibility to meet department demands.
• Experience in business partnering, innovation, and driving change.
• Confident communicator capable of engaging at all levels.
• Dependable, diplomatic, with strong negotiation skills.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in producing consolidated financial statements and managing audits.
• Technical knowledge of financial standards and management reporting.
• Strong Excel skills; familiarity with professional services environment and Aderant Expert is advantageous.

What You Bring

• Role Modelling: Inspire and support cultural initiatives.
• Reputation: Uphold high standards and promote a positive work environment.
• Personal Development: Take responsibility and seek continual improvement.
• Drive Performance: Use leadership skills to enhance efficiency and support strategic goals.
• Collaboration: Foster innovation and support team growth through strong teamwork.