Head Of Finance - Law Firm

Clear IT Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A London-based law firm is looking for a Head of Finance to lead a finance team, ensuring compliance with Solicitors' Accounts Rules and providing strategic financial insights. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in a senior finance role within legal services, strong leadership abilities and a proactive approach to operational and strategic challenges. This position offers a competitive salary and a supportive culture for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in senior finance roles within legal or professional services.
• Strong financial operations management within compliance frameworks.
• Ability to lead and develop finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead finance function and manage accounting and reporting.
• Prepare management accounts and budgets.
• Provide financial advice to partners and management.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules

Financial compliance knowledge

Education

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Job description

My client is seeking a Head of Finance to join their growing law firm in central London.

This is a senior management position offering the opportunity to lead a small finance team, support growth initiatives, and provide strategic insight to the partnership.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of Solicitors' Accounts Rules and experience managing financial operations within a legal or professional services environment. This role suits a hands‑on finance leader who thrives in a fast‑paced setting and enjoys balancing strategic planning with day‑to‑day financial control.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, ensuring effective management of all accounting, reporting, and treasury activities.
• Oversee preparation of monthly management accounts, annual budgets, cashflow forecasts, and year‑end financial statements.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the partners, offering insight into firm performance, risk, and opportunities for growth.
• Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and all relevant financial regulations.
• Manage and review internal financial controls, policies, and systems, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee and liaise with auditors during year‑end processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Lead budgeting and cost control for each department and business unit, promoting financial discipline across the firm.
• Manage cashflow, reserves, and investment planning to maintain firm liquidity and operational resilience.
• Champion automation and digital transformation within the finance team to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Mentor and manage finance staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture.

About You

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).
• Substantial experience in a senior finance role within a legal practice or professional services firm.
• In‑depth knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules and financial compliance frameworks.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop people, systems, and processes.
• Highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and commercially astute.
• Comfortable advising senior stakeholders and influencing strategic decisions.
• Proactive, pragmatic, and capable of operating at both strategic and operational levels.

What's on Offer

• Senior leadership role within a respected and growing London law firm.
• Opportunity to shape and modernise the firm's finance operations.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Inclusive and supportive culture with real scope for impact and professional growth.

Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear Legal Recruitment Limited.

Please Note: Due to the number of applications we receive we may be unable to respond to every application directly. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful.