Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Location: London Job Type: Full-time Salary: £70-75+ Benefits

About the Role

A well-established and growing mid-sized London law firm is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to support the Finance Director in the leadership, development and day-to-day management of the finance function.

This is a broad, hands-on position offering significant exposure across legal finance operations, financial control, regulatory compliance and team leadership. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the finance team delivers a high-quality service to partners and fee earners while maintaining robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Operations & Team Leadership

Lead, mentor and develop a finance team covering billing, legal cashiering, accounts payable and credit control.

Manage day-to-day finance operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and high service standards across all activities.

Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on continuous improvement and professional development.

Act as a key point of contact for partners and department heads on finance-related matters.

Financial Control & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and all relevant regulatory and statutory requirements.

Oversee client and office account transactions, ensuring the appropriate handling of client money.

Maintain strong internal controls and finance procedures to mitigate risk and safeguard firm assets.

Support audits and liaise with external advisers where required.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Produce and review management information, financial reports and performance analysis.

Assist the Finance Director with budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management.

Monitor WIP, billing performance, debtor balances and working capital metrics.

Provide commercial insight and recommendations to support decision-making across the firm.

Process Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve finance systems, controls and reporting processes.

Drive efficiencies across finance operations and support the implementation of best practices.

Contribute to projects focused on automation, system enhancements and process optimisation.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

Significant experience within a finance management role, ideally gained within a legal or professional services environment.

Strong understanding of legal finance operations

Sound knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules and client money regulations.

Proven experience leading, coaching and developing finance teams.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.

Ability to build effective working relationships with partners, senior stakeholders and external advisers.

Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Desirable

AAT, ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualified, part-qualified or actively studying towards a professional qualification.

Previous experience within a mid-sized or regional law firm.

Exposure to legal practice management systems and finance system improvements.

What's on Offer

Competitive salary package.

Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and influence the development of the finance function.

Broad and varied role within a collaborative and professional legal environment.

Excellent career development opportunities and long-term progression potential.