Finance Director - Law Firm

My client is seeking an experienced Finance Director to join its leadership team in Chippenham, Wiltshire. This is a senior strategic role offering the opportunity to lead the firm's financial management, ensure compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules, and play a key role in driving the firm's long-term growth and profitability. The successful candidate will work closely with the Board of Equity Partners while overseeing the day-to-day operation of the finance function. The Role The successful candidate will be responsible for: • Leading the firm's financial strategy and supporting long-term business planning • Preparing budgets, forecasts, management accounts and financial reports • Monitoring cash flow, profitability, WIP, lock-up, debtors and billing performance • Managing payroll, pensions, PAYE, National Insurance and VAT returns • Overseeing year-end accounts and coordinating external audits • Ensuring full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and regulatory obligations • Managing client accounts, reconciliations and financial controls • Supporting the firm's COFA and liaising with reporting accountants and regulatory bodies • Providing commercial financial analysis to support business decisions • Developing financial reporting, KPIs and performance dashboards • Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team • Assisting with day-to-day legal cashier duties where required Requirements • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or significant equivalent legal finance experience • Previous senior finance leadership experience within a UK law firm • Strong knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures • Experience of financial planning, budgeting and board-level reporting • Knowledge of WIP, billing, lock-up, cash flow management and client accounts • Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills • Excellent leadership, communication and organisational abilities • Proficiency with legal practice management systems, Excel and payroll software • Ability to support and supervise a small finance team while remaining hands-on when required What's on Offer • Competitive salary and benefits package • Senior leadership position with strategic influence • Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing law firm • Supportive and collaborative working environment Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear IT Recruitment Limited. Please Note: Due to the number of applications we receive we may be unable to respond to every application directly. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful