Finance Manager - Law Firm - Hertfordshire or Essex

Finance Manager - Law Firm
Location: Hertford, Ware or Loughton Hertfordshire & Essex
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Full Time Permanent Hybrid & Flexible Working

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal finance professional who enjoys combining strategic financial management with hands-on involvement in day-to-day finance operations.

You'll take responsibility for the firm's finance function, leading a team of four and working closely with the Partners and Management Board to provide financial insight, maintain regulatory compliance and support the firm's continued growth.

The successful candidate will also be appointed as the firm's Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA).
With hybrid working, a structured career development programme and an excellent benefits package, this position offers an opportunity to develop your career within a supportive and progressive legal practice.

The Role

As Finance Manager, you will oversee the firm's financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, effective cash flow management and compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules.

Your responsibilities will include:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Preparing monthly management accounts, financial reports and annual budgets.
• Producing financial forecasts, variance analysis and management information.
• Monitoring departmental profitability, fee income, billing performance and recovery rates.
• Managing lock-up, including work in progress (WIP), debtors and disbursements.
• Providing financial analysis and KPI reporting to Partners and senior management.
• Overseeing billing processes, revenue recognition and partner drawings.
• Preparing statutory accounts information and supporting external accountants.

Cash Flow & Financial Controls

• Managing the firm's cash flow and preparing cash flow forecasts.
• Overseeing client and office account balances, banking and reconciliations.
• Monitoring payment processes and maintaining effective financial controls.
• Liaising with banks and financial institutions.
• Forecasting cash requirements and supporting borrowing arrangements where required.

SRA Compliance & COFA Responsibilities

• Ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules.
• Overseeing client account reconciliations and residual client balances.
• Preparing information for annual accountant's reports and regulatory audits.
• Working closely with the firm's COLP and senior management.
• Supporting AML compliance and maintaining appropriate financial risk controls.
• Undertaking the responsibilities of the firm's COFA.

Finance Team Leadership

• Leading, managing and developing a finance team of four.
• Conducting performance reviews, providing training and supporting professional development.
• Ensuring the effective allocation of workloads and maintaining appropriate departmental cover.
• Promoting a collaborative approach and high standards of service across the finance function.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Reviewing and improving financial systems, accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Supporting the implementation of new finance software and reporting tools.
• Working alongside IT to develop financial reporting dashboards and management information.
• Overseeing VAT, PAYE, payroll and other relevant financial obligations.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Finance Manager with a strong background in legal finance and a thorough understanding of the financial and regulatory requirements of a law firm.
You will ideally have:

• A minimum of eight years' finance experience within a law firm.
• An AAT, ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualification, or an equivalent accounting qualification.
• Strong knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures.
• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets and financial forecasts.
• Proven experience managing cash flow, financial reporting and internal controls.
• Previous experience managing and developing a finance team.
• Knowledge of VAT, payroll and legal accounting software or case management systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work closely with Partners and senior stakeholders.

Previous experience as a COFA would be advantageous, although candidates with the appropriate legal finance and compliance experience who are ready to take on this responsibility are encouraged to apply.

You'll be organised, commercially aware and comfortable balancing strategic financial responsibilities with the practical demands of a busy finance department.

What's on Offer?

This firm places genuine importance on employee wellbeing, professional development and creating a positive working environment.
The benefits package includes:

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• A structured career development and progression programme.
• 25 days' annual leave, increasing with service to a maximum of 30 days.
• Firm-wide and fee-earner bonus schemes.
• Contributory pension scheme with salary sacrifice.
• Healthcare Cash Plan following probation.
• Employee Assistance Programme and financial wellbeing support.
• Regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and development opportunities.
• Social events, wellbeing initiatives and a supportive team culture.