Legal Finance Manager

Oculus Legal Group; Hertford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid work model

Bonuses scheme

25 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Healthcare plan

Wellbeing platform

Team events

Job summary

Oculus Legal Group is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead the firm's Finance function and develop a team of four. The role includes acting as COFA and ensuring compliance with SRA Accounts Rules, while providing financial insight to support profitability and strategic decisions.

You will oversee day-to-day financial operations, budgeting, reporting and cash flow management, working closely with Partners and the Management Board in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of finance experience within a law firm.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Proven ability to prepare management accounts, budgets and forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance function and a team of four.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, reports and KPI analysis.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts and variance analysis.
• Monitor profitability, fee income and recovery rates.
• Manage WIP, debtors and disbursements and billing processes.
• Ensure compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and COFA duties.
• Collaborate with Partners, Management Board and COLP on performance and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory awareness

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

Stakeholder management

Education

AAT qualification

ACCA

ACA

CIMA

Tools

SRA Accounts Rules systems

Job description

We’re working with a highly regarded regional law firm, who are looking to recruit an experienced Finance Manager to lead their Finance function and manage a team of four.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal finance professional to take on a leadership role, overseeing financial operations, regulatory compliance and reporting while working closely with Partners and the Management Board.

The Role

As Finance Manager, you’ll lead the day-to-day financial operations of the firm, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective cash flow management and compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules.

You’ll manage and develop a team of four, providing financial insight to support business performance, profitability and strategic decision-making. The role will also involve appointment as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA).

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing the Finance function and a team of four
• Preparing monthly management accounts, financial reports and KPI analysis
• Overseeing annual budgets, financial forecasts and variance analysis
• Monitoring profitability, departmental performance, fee income and recovery rates
• Managing lock-up, including work in progress (WIP), debtors and disbursements
• Overseeing billing processes, revenue recognition and matter balances
• Managing cash flow, banking relationships and cash flow forecasting
• Monitoring client and office account balances, including residual client balances
• Ensuring compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and overseeing client account reconciliations
• Acting as COFA and supporting regulatory inspections, audits and annual accountant’s reports
• Working closely with Partners, the Management Board and the firm's COLP on financial performance and compliance
• Overseeing VAT, PAYE, payroll processes and other tax obligations alongside the relevant teams
• Maintaining effective financial controls and identifying opportunities to improve systems and processes
• Supporting the implementation of finance software, reporting tools and management information dashboards
• Coaching, developing and motivating the Finance Team

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in a Finance Manager or similar senior finance role within a law firm
• Able to demonstrate a minimum of 8 years' finance experience within a law firm
• AAT qualified, ACCA, ACA, CIMA qualified or holding an equivalent accounting qualification
• Experienced in managing and developing finance teams
• Confident preparing management accounts, budgets and financial forecasts
• Knowledgeable about the SRA Accounts Rules and legal sector regulatory requirements
• Experienced in cash flow management, financial reporting and banking
• Familiar with VAT, payroll and other relevant tax obligations
• Comfortable using legal accounting software and case management systems
• Highly organised, analytical and commercially aware
• An effective communicator who can build strong relationships with Partners and colleagues across the firm
• Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance

Previous experience holding the position of COFA would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Flexible and hybrid working
• A supportive and nurturing working environment
• A structured career path with opportunities for development and progression
• Firm-wide and fee-earner bonus schemes
• 25 days' annual leave, increasing by one day per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Healthcare Cash Plan following probation
• Access to a financial wellbeing platform
• Regular social events, wellbeing initiatives and team activities