Head of Finance - Legal

You must have at least 5 years working for a legal company.

North London / Hertfordshire / Essex - Full-time Hybrid following probation

A well-established, highly regarded regional law firm is looking for a Finance professional to lead its finance function and manage an experienced team.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role for someone who understands the operational, commercial and regulatory demands of legal finance. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the finance team while providing accurate reporting, strong controls and practical financial insight to senior stakeholders and partners.

The role will initially be predominantly office-based during probation, with hybrid working available thereafter.

The Role

• Lead, support and develop a finance team covering purchase ledger, finance administration, credit control and legal cashiering.
• Oversee all day-to-day finance operations, ensuring an accurate, efficient and responsive service to the firm.
• Produce management accounts, budgets, forecasts, cashflow reporting and financial analysis for senior leadership.
• Oversee billing, lock-up, WIP, debtor management and collections activity.
• Ensure full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and robust management of client and office accounts.
• Maintain strong financial controls, processes and reconciliations.
• Support VAT, payroll, audit preparation and wider statutory or regulatory reporting.
• Work closely with partners and departmental leaders, providing commercial insight and helping to improve financial performance.
• Support ongoing systems and process improvements, including legal practice-management and finance systems.

About You

• At least five years' experience in a senior finance role within a legal practice.
• Strong working knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules, legal cashiering and the management of client money.
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and cashflow reporting.
• Proven people-management experience, with the ability to lead a small, established finance team.
• Commercially minded, detail-focused and confident working with senior stakeholders and partners.
• Comfortable balancing strategic finance responsibilities with hands-on operational oversight.
• Experience with legal accounting or practice-management systems would be advantageous.
• Previous COFA experience would be welcomed but is not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a respected law firm's finance function and play a key part in its continued development.

Seniority Level

• Mid-Senior level

Industry

• Legal Services
• Law Practice

Employment Type

• Full-time

Skills

• Cash Flow
• Analytical Skills
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Credit Control
• Cashiering
• Legal Practice
• Oracle Work in Process
• Debt Management
• Leadership