Finance Manager- Law Firm - Nr. Bromley- up to £60k - Honor Search Ltd : Job Details

Finance Manager

• Leading Law Firm with offices around Kent, Surrey and London
• Act as London Finance lead - Managing Team of 3
• MUST Have Recent experience working under SRA Solicitors Regulation Authority in a law firm is essential
• Office/ Hybrid
• up to £60k
• Nr Bromley, Kent

About Our Client

Our Client is an Leading law firm that provides legal services to clients in a variety of areas, including: Complex litigation, Regulatory and policy, Intellectual property, and Corporate and transactional matters.The firm has offices around London, Kent and Surrey - Circa 85- 100 staff

Job Description

• Reporting to the Managing Partner and Compliance Officers
• Controlling and reconciling deposit accounts
• Checking bills (and credit notes) and allocating bill numbers
• Sending CHAPS, BACS & International payments using Barclays.net
• Dealing with incoming CHAPS payments
• Reconciling client and office accounts
• Interest calculations
• Purchase Ledger
• Month and Year end reconciliations
• Liaising with Accountants on Solicitors Accountants Rules (SAR) Audit
• Liaising with Accountants for quarterly Management Accountants
• Monthly management reports and briefings for Partner Meetings
• Monthly fee-earner information packs
• Providing financial figures for Practice Managers/Partners as required
• VAT returns
• Checking completion statements
• Managing workloads of team ensuring compliance throughout
• Leads year-end billing and collection efforts, coordinating London meetings and accelerating billing where needed.
• Leadership of team of 3
• Oversees team performance, development, and training, managing evaluations and addressing any issues with office management.
• Provides coverage for direct reports as needed.
• Allocates team resources for effective service, providing after-hours support if necessary.
• Supports monthly financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, assessing office performance and presenting insights to leadership.
• Implements global accounting practices with the U.S. GL team, overseeing month-end close and reconciliations to meet internal and SRA standards.
• Manages Firm bank accounts, daily transactions, and leads treasury initiatives, liaising with bank contacts as needed.
• Oversees accounts payable, ensuring timely payments in line with Firm policies and regulations.
• Leads SRA year-end audit, working closely with auditors, COFA, and senior leadership.
• Works with the COFA and Talent Director to manage London client accounting and compliance, coordinating with various teams to ensure SRA and Firm policies are followed.
• Conducts monthly 1:1 billing attorney meetings, assisted by the Billing Coordinator and Personal Assistant.
• Collaborates with attorneys, support staff, and clients on collections and escalates non-payment issues to senior leadership.
• Manages billing processes, ensuring accuracy in edits, invoices, and reporting.
• Oversees daily receipt posting and coordinates with lawyers to resolve payment-related issues and ensure funds are properly allocated.

The Successful Applicant

• Recent experience working under SRA Solicitors Regulation Authority in a law firm is essential
• Minimum of three years' finance management experience in the legal industry
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; equivalent experience may substitute for education
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including senior Firm members
• Skilled in managing a small finance team, coordinating workflow, providing feedback, and conducting annual reviews
• Track record of delivering high-quality client service to both internal and external contacts
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with lawyers, staff, vendors, and clients
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills to handle deadlines and daily demands in a dynamic environment
• Solid knowledge of fundamental accounting principles and internal controls
• Understanding of VAT across multiple jurisdictions
• Preferred experience with 3E or similar accounting systems
• Experience with e-billing, including eBillingHub and common third-party vendor platforms
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications