Financial Controller

Napthens LLP; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Preston is seeking a Financial Controller to drive financial operations, leading a small team while ensuring accurate reporting and governance. The ideal candidate will be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with hands-on experience in finance. You will oversee Accounts Payable, cash management, and produce financial reports for senior leaders. This role offers hybrid working and the chance to impact financial excellence within the firm.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in a hands‑on financial role.
• Solid UK accounting knowledge (VAT, PAYE, statutory requirements).
• Experience managing and developing finance staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts.
• Manage the Accounts Payable function ensuring accuracy.
• Support rolling forecasts, budgeting, and annual business planning.

Skills

Financial reporting

Accounting knowledge

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified

Tools

Anaplan

Job description

🚀 Financial Controller – Drive Financial Leadership at Napthens LLP

📍 Location: Preston Head Office | Hybrid working (3 office / 2 remote)
🕒 Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (Mon–Fri)
📋 Reports to: Finance Director

Are you a qualified finance professional ready to take ownership of core financial operations and play a central role in shaping our firm’s financial planning and performance?

Napthens LLP is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee key financial processes, including Accounts Payable and capital management, while leading a small team and providing meaningful insight to senior leadership.

🏢 Why Napthens?

Napthens is a leading regional legal firm focused on strong client relationships, professional excellence, and a people-first approach. Our culture is grounded in three core values:

• We Understand – our clients, our colleagues, and our community

• We Collaborate – across teams and departments

• We Excel – in the service we deliver

Join us and be part of a firm that is ambitious, respected, and committed to exceptional standards.

💼 The Role

As Financial Controller, you’ll lead the firm’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring robust governance, accurate reporting, and effective management of cash, working capital, and Accounts Payable. You’ll play a key role in supporting strategic decisions and identifying improvements across our financial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow)

• Manage the Accounts Payable function, ensuring accurate, timely payments and strong controls

• Oversee working capital and cash management, reviewing trends and identifying improvement opportunities

• Support rolling forecasts, budgeting, and annual business planning

• Produce high-quality financial reporting for senior leaders and the Board

• Maintain sound financial controls, statutory compliance, and prepare for annual audit

• Review and approve payroll reports

• Partner with support teams and fee-earning departments to improve financial understanding and accountability

• Lead and develop a small finance team, ensuring strong communication and professional growth

• Support continuous process improvement and contribute to key operational and strategic projects

🎯 What We’re Looking For

Essential

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent) qualified

• Strong experience in a hands‑on financial role

• Solid UK accounting knowledge (VAT, PAYE, statutory requirements)

• Experience managing and developing finance staff

• Confident in producing and explaining financial information to a range of stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience in LLPs or professional services

• Understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules

• Experience with forecasting or planning tools such as Anaplan

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

• Well‑organised and able to manage deadlines

• Clear communicator with a collaborative approach

• Commercially aware with an eye for continuous improvement

🌟 Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re looking for a role where your financial expertise will directly shape operational performance — and where your contributions will be recognised — Napthens could be the perfect next step.

Apply now and help drive the future of financial excellence at one of the region’s most respected legal firms.

NB: A note to agencies: Please do not send speculative CVs for this or any other role. We only work with instructed recruitment partners.