Finance Director - Law Firm

My client is seeking an experienced Finance Director to join its leadership team in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

This is a senior strategic role offering the opportunity to lead the firm's financial management, ensure compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules, and play a key role in driving the firm's long-term growth and profitability. The successful candidate will work closely with the Board of Equity Partners while overseeing the day-to-day operation of the finance function.

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for

• Leading the firm's financial strategy and supporting long-term business planning

• Preparing budgets, forecasts, management accounts and financial reports

• Monitoring cash flow, profitability, WIP, lock-up, debtors and billing performance

• Managing payroll, pensions, PAYE, National Insurance and VAT returns

• Overseeing year-end accounts and coordinating external audits

• Ensuring full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and regulatory obligations

• Managing client accounts, reconciliations and financial controls

• Supporting the firm's COFA and liaising with reporting accountants and regulatory bodies

• Providing commercial financial analysis to support business decisions

• Developing financial reporting, KPIs and performance dashboards

• Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team

• Assisting with day-to-day legal cashier duties where required

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or significant equivalent legal finance experience

• Previous senior finance leadership experience within a UK law firm

• Strong knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures

• Experience of financial planning, budgeting and board-level reporting

• Knowledge of WIP, billing, lock-up, cash flow management and client accounts

• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills

• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational abilities

• Proficiency with legal practice management systems, Excel and payroll software

• Ability to support and supervise a small finance team while remaining hands-on when required

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Senior leadership position with strategic influence

• Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing law firm

• Supportive and collaborative working environment

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