Head of Finance

Ambition; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing UK law firm is seeking a Head of Finance to lead the Finance and Revenue functions. In this pivotal role, you will manage a team, oversee financial strategy, and ensure compliance with accounting standards. The ideal candidate is a Qualified Accountant with at least 5 years of experience in a law firm or professional services. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

25 days annual leave plus options to buy additional days

Private medical and dental insurance

Life assurance and income protection

Enhanced family leave policies

Flexible benefits including gym membership

Hybrid working - 50% of time office based

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' experience in management accounts within law firm or professional services.
• Proven experience managing teams.
• Excellent knowledge of accounting best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Finance and Revenue teams, providing guidance.
• Oversee preparation of monthly board reporting packs and management accounts.
• Drive budgeting and forecasting processes, including annual planning.

Skills

Leadership skills

Management accounts

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Knowledge of accounting regulations

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel)

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Tools

Elite 3E or similar systems

Job description

Are you an experienced finance leader looking for your next challenge in a fast-growing UK law firm? My client is seeking a Head of Finance to lead the Finance and Revenue functions in a newly created role within a growing Accounts & Finance team.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and drive financial strategy, oversee key accounting operations, and manage a team of nine professionals across Finance and Revenue. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring robust financial health and delivering exceptional outcomes for the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Finance and Revenue teams, providing guidance and ensuring high standards.
• Oversee preparation and delivery of monthly board reporting packs, management accounts, and variance analysis.
• Produce detailed financial metrics and KPIs to monitor performance and profitability.
• Drive budgeting and forecasting processes, including annual planning and quarterly reforecasts.
• Manage statutory accounts, annual audits, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Oversee billing, credit control, and WIP operations to optimise cash flow and reduce write-offs.
• Deliver accurate monthly financials, balance sheet and P&L reconciliations.
• Provide commercial analysis and advice to senior stakeholders on trends and client profitability.
• Maintain and improve financial systems and reporting processes, identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency.
• Act as a point of escalation for billing, WIP, and credit control issues.
• Support due diligence for partner recruitment and potential mergers.
• Deputise for the Finance Director when required, presenting financial reports to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and firm-wide financial policies.

About You

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with at least 5 years' experience in management accounts within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong leadership skills with proven experience managing teams.
• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and best practices.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with Elite 3E or similar systems is desirable.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 25 days annual leave plus options to buy additional days.
• Private medical and dental insurance, life assurance, income protection.
• Enhanced family leave policies.
• Flexible benefits including gym membership, cycle-to-work scheme, and more.
• Hybrid working - 50% of your time should be office based (3 days one week, 2 days the next)