Head of Finance

An established and growing legal firm is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to lead its finance function and play a key role in driving business performance, financial governance, and strategic decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity to help with the strategy and growth of this organisation. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner and working closely with the Partnership, you will take ownership of all aspects of financial management, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of insightful management information. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for both the strategic direction and day-to-day operation of the finance department. Key Responsibilities • Lead and develop the finance function, ensuring the highest standards of financial control, compliance, and reporting. • Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting cycle, including management accounts, year-end accounts, and external audits. • Produce detailed financial analysis, forecasts, budgets, cashflow projections, and performance reports for the Partnership. • Drive the annual budgeting and forecasting process, supporting strategic business planning and growth initiatives. • Oversee all banking, cash management, reconciliations, supplier payments, payroll submissions, and transactional finance activities. • Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, tax legislation, regulatory requirements, and SAR Accounts Rules. • Manage VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, Partner Tax and all statutory financial obligations. • Provide commercially focused financial insight to support profitability, performance management, and business decision-making. • Maintain and optimise financial systems, controls, processes, and reporting frameworks. • Prepare and present financial information to Partners and senior stakeholders in a clear and meaningful way. • Lead audit activity and ensure effective governance, risk management, and internal controls across the firm. • Drive continuous improvement within finance operations and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency through technology and process optimisation. About You We're looking for an accomplished finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with commercial awareness and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Essential Requirements: • ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional accounting qualification. • Proven experience leading a finance function within a professional services environment, ideally legal services. • Strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, taxation, audit, and financial controls. • Experience producing management information and presenting financial results at Board, Partner, or Executive level. • Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights. • Strong people leadership skills and experience managing and developing finance teams. • Advanced systems knowledge and a track record of improving finance processes and controls. Desirable: • Experience within a law firm or regulated legal environment. • Knowledge of SAR Accounts Rules and partnership accounting. • Experience of legal practice management and accounting systems.