Finance Manager

Role Overview

• Oversee payroll processes in collaboration with HR, ensuring accurate reconciliation between HR data, payroll reports, and payment batches
• Review and manage payroll-related postings and ensure accuracy in financial reporting
• Co-ordinate bank payment imports and ensure the timely release of payments by authorised approvers
• Take overall responsibility for the Accounts Payable function, including supervision of the AP Manager
• Ensure all supplier invoices are recorded accurately and on a timely basis
• Oversee payment run preparation and execution
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, resolving invoice and payment queries
• Monitor and analyse trade creditor balances, maintaining trackers for complex or high-value suppliers
• Manage the month-end timetable, ensuring the timely closure of all source ledgers
• Prepare and post month-end journals, including payroll, accruals, prepayments, and depreciation
• Perform reconciliations of key balance sheet accounts
• Produce monthly management accounts for review by the Finance Controller and Finance Director
• Deliver initial variance analysis against budget, with clear and concise commentary
• Oversee daily cash flow reporting, ensuring all firm receipts are processed promptly
• Monitor cash balances and ensure sufficient liquidity for operational requirements
• Ringfence funds for key outflows and manage payment expectations across stakeholders
• Review monthly client cash packs prepared by legal cashiers
• Conduct balance analysis to support COFA sign-off
• Review and authorise payments to claimants prepared by third-party payment providers
• Ensure ongoing compliance with SRA Accounts Rules
• Support preparation for SRA client account audits and annual statutory audits
• Act as the key point of contact for audit walkthroughs and queries within areas of responsibility
• Maintain strong financial controls and documentation to support audit requirements

Requirements

• ACCA or CIMA qualification
• Proven experience within a law firm or regulated professional services environment
• An understanding of SRA Accounts Rules and client money handling
• Experience managing and developing finance team members
• Demonstrated ability to manage month-end processes and meet tight reporting deadlines
• Proficiency in NetSuite and strong Excel skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders
• Highly organised with strong time management skills
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave (plus 8 Bank Holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Private pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee referral bonus
• E-bikes and gym discounts (available through salary sacrifice scheme)
• Season ticket loans