Job Description

The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Manage up to 5 direct reports, working with those reports to control all accounting operations including Billing, A/R, A/P, GL, Matter Accounting, and Revenue Recognition for the UK offices and businesses.
• Working closely with the Head of Reporting to manage the preparation and improve the delivery of timely monthly management reports and to ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Manage working capital and cash flow forecasts and ensure compliance with banking covenants
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances
• Coordinate the preparation of annual consolidated financial statements and schedules for audit in accordance with UK accounting and SORP regulations
• Assisting with the preparation and provision of partner specific financial information for partner appraisal and remuneration processes
• Review, develop and document finance business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
• Working with the Partnership Tax Manager to ensure Partner transactions and Partner Current and Capital Accounts are maintained and controlled.
• Working with direct reports and the Head of Finance to continually develop the finance team of c. 50 employees spread primarily over two locations.
• Be credible and build good working relationships with Business Leaders and Executive Committee Members
• Assist International finance colleagues with financial support as necessary
• Additional controller duties as necessary

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have worked as a Financial Controller or headed up an Accounting team
• Experience of preparing consolidated accounts and monthly financial reporting.
• Must be a qualified accountant, ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Prior experience working in a Law Firm would be preferable but is not a pre-requisite
• Competent at using the Microsoft Office suite (particularly Excel including use of macros) and experience with reporting tools such as PowerBI, Cognos, Tableau or similar products.
• Experience of seeking and implementing ways to improve on current practice.
• An ability to develop and enhance finance processes to meet business needs
• Must have drive and dynamism to take on and proactively challenge processes
• Must be conscientious, accurate and have a methodical approach to work.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, (e.g. articulate when communicating to partners and key staff, and able to present financial results to non-accountants)
• Strong relationship building skills with ability to deal with partners, fee earners and other staff at all levels.
• A team player with a flexible and pro-active approach to work with the ability to work autonomously.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent planning and organizing skills – able to handle multiple tasks.
• Numerate.
• Shows commitment to the role and team and is hard working and able to work to tight deadlines when required
• Displays a willingness to learn and actively seeks new work and challenges.
• Takes personal responsibility for maintaining personal development.
• Professional and credible in attitude and appearance.
• Prepared to work overtime during peak periods.
• Prepared to travel to offices in the UK and Western Europe as necessary