Legal Finance & Operations Manager

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the management accounts preparation, including and not limited to detailed analysis of fee earner utilisation, WIP & AR analysis by department, billings and collection review, revenue analysis preparation
• Bank reconciliations for all office accounts on a weekly basis
• Cash flow reporting on a weekly basis
• Balance sheet reconciliations for month end reporting including bank accounts
• Preparation and submission of VAT & VIES returns
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements for year-end audits
• Ad hoc projects as required
• Ad hoc requests from fee-earners, business heads and partners as required
• Credit control

• Analysis and support for decision-making to the Partners of the Firm and Senior Management Team
• Overseeing and supporting the local finance team to ensure appropriate accounting
• Ability to communicate effectively on recommendations for the business to the Partners
• Interaction with auditors and supervision of members of the finance and admin team
• Supporting the Senior Managers in the HR function
• Work with our outsourced IT and case management teams on implementation of system and new process projects
• Provide support and input to annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, working in conjunction with the firm’s Bookkeeper
• Working directly with the heads of business areas on each of their budget areas
• Supporting the Partnership in the day to day running of operational aspects of the Firm (e.g. setting fee earner targets, identifying and allocating resources, procurement, providing input as required to pitches and tenders)
• As part of the HR function, to provide input for salary review, bonus submissions, promotions, recruitment and integration, performance reviews

• Identifying areas where business performance within the Firm could be improved and work with the Partners to compile business cases for change projects and process improvements.
• Acting as firm sponsor as required for process improvement projects, ensuring that the appropriate skills are deployed in order to bring about the required improvement in processes, technology and/or working practices.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Qualified accountant (CPA, ACA or ACCA) with 3+ years PQE
• Strong finance and analytical skills, including experience of providing monthly management accounts
• Experience of working with solicitors accounts preferred 
• Strong experience of working with Excel and manipulating large amounts of data
• Strong and confident communication skills, both orally and in writing, with the ability to interact with senior members of the business and build strong working relationships
• Experience in handling human resourcing processes including recruitment and performance management
• Organised and able to handle multiple demands and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to convey complex financial and accounting concepts in a clear and straightforward manner
• The ability to work collaboratively with the business and challenge where appropriate
• Experience in budgeting and forecasting discussions with senior business managers (experience gained in a professional services environment and with implementation experience of Practice Evolve would be a strong advantage)

Benefits

• 25 days holiday per year