Finance Manager

McKinlay Law; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinlay Law in London is seeking a finance manager to oversee day-to-day accounting for the London office and report to the CFO. This hands-on role will drive improvements to operational efficiency, technology and processes used by the finance department.

You will lead the London finance team, ensure compliance with SRA accounts rules and AML/KYC, coordinate the annual budget with the Director of Administration, and collaborate with international finance and IT on software upgrades.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years' accounting experience from another law firm.
• Knowledge of SRA accounts rules and AML/KYC processes.
• Experience leading and developing a finance team.
• Attention to detail and strong problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Manage all accounting functions to ensure HMRC compliance, deadlines met, and firm policies followed.
• Lead and manage the London finance team.
• Coordinate annual budget with the Director of Administration and monitor variances.
• Collaborate with international finance and IT on accounting software improvements.
• Report on financial performance to the CFO, including income, profit, and expenses.
• Supervise client accounting, bank reconciliations, and disbursements in line with SRA standards.
• Oversee year-end consolidation, statutory accounts, and coordinating with external auditors.
• Monitor cash flow and coordinate reforecasts with the CFO.
• Coordinate with international tax team on income tax filings for partners and firm bankers.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

SRA accounts rules

AML/KYC compliance

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Leading American law firm are looking for a finance manager, who will be responsible for the day-to-day accounting functions for the London office and report into the CFO. This is a hands-on role that will play a key part in driving improvements to the operational efficiency, technology and processes used by the finance department.

Duties will include:

• Managing all accounting functions to ensure complete compliance with HM Revenue & Customs, Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and Money Laundering Regulations and that Firm policy, procedures, and deadlines are met;
• Responsible for leading and managing the London finance team;
• Working with the Director of Administration on the coordination and review of the London annual budget, including ongoing review against actual results and review of the monthly variances;
• Working collaboratively with the international finance department and IT on the development and implementation of accounting software to further improve the operational efficiency of the finance team and the wider Firm;
• Reporting on financial performance - to include reviews of income, profit, and expense activity with the CFO;
• Supervision of all client accounting, as required, including liaising with the bank, authorization of bank reconciliations, interest payments, transfers, and counsel disbursements to ensure compliance with the SRA standards;
• Preparation of year-end consolidation and statutory accounts, including overseeing and coordinating with external auditors and accountants, as necessary, preparation of the balance sheet and profit and loss account and reviewing any required returns to the SRA and agreeing potential breaches with the auditors;
• Overseeing the reconciliation of the London office’s various bank accounts and reviewing cash flow;
• Working with the CFO to prepare reforecasts. Understanding and initiating the appropriate actions in response to variances;
• Coordinating with the international tax team and other advisers regarding income tax filings and related payments for the partners and the Firm's bankers in relation to the Firm's and partners' finances;

It is essential that you have a minimum of five years’ accounting experience from another law firm, knowledge of SRA accounts rules and Anti Money Laundering and KYC processes, and experience managing and leading a team. In addition, you must be detail orientated and a good problem solver.

An exceptional environment in a progressive international law firm, excellent benefits and bonus on offer.

McKinlay Law endeavour to contact all successful candidates within 24 hours. However, due to the volume of applications that we receive, we are not able to respond to every candidate individually. If you have not heard from us within 24 hours your application has been unsuccessful and we have not retained your details.