Finance Manager

Mission 4 Recruitment; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

25 days' annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Bonus schemes

Healthcare cash plan

Employee assistance programme

Social events

Job summary

Mission 4 Recruitment is recruiting for a regional, award-winning law firm seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead its finance function and manage a four-person team. The role focuses on day-to-day financial operations, reporting, cash flow and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will work closely with Partners and the Management Board in a collaborative, flexible hybrid environment that supports progression and impact within an established practice.

Qualifications

• Eight years' finance experience within a law firm.
• Strong knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules and client account reconciliations.
• Experience managing a finance team and producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 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 SRA Accounts Rules compliance and COFA responsibilities.
• Manage banking relationships and cash flow forecasts.
• Oversee VAT, PAYE, payroll and statutory compliance.
• Support year-end accounts, audits and regulatory reviews.
• Improve financial systems and reporting to support business performance.

Skills

Finance management

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

Education

Accounting qualification (AAT/ACCA/ACA/CIMA)

Tools

Legal accounting software

Case management systems

Job description

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.