A well regarded independent London law firm is looking for an experienced Financial Controller to join its finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
Working closely with the Finance Director and Commercial Financial Controller, you'll play a key role across cashiering, reporting, revenue and financial compliance, stepping in to cover managers when needed. It's a broad remit with real ownership of your areas and genuine scope to strengthen controls, reporting and process - the firm actively encourages people to bring ideas and make their mark, with a continued focus on automation and systems.
What you'll do:
- Support the firm's compliance with HMRC legislation and the Solicitors' Accounts Rules, working alongside the Client Account Compliance Officer and supporting the COFA
- Drive lock-up through WIP management, billing and collections
- Review and approve office and client account payments
- Support delivery of the year-end financial audit and the SAR compliance audit
- Maintain robust financial controls, policies and accounting records, and manage financial risk
- Oversee and enhance key internal and external reporting, and produce management information to support decision-making
- Analyse and model new initiatives, proposals and financial scenarios
- Design and deliver best-practice finance training for fee earners, including partners
- Work with the Financial Systems Manager and IT to drive automation and develop the firm's practice management system
What we're looking for:
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with at least 5 years PQE
- Ideally at 2 years as a Financial Controller within the legal sector
- Strong understanding of the Solicitors' Accounts Rules
- Sound knowledge of VAT and partnership tax
- Proven ability to lead, manage and develop a team
- Advanced Excel; SQL and Power BI an advantage
- Experience of Elite 3E beneficial
- Excellent attention to detail, with experience preparing financial statements and managing audits
Work Location: In person
