The Finance Manager oversees the Billing, Collections, and Accounting functions for the London office, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with Firm policies and SRA regulations. This role is key in delivering exceptional service to clients, managing daily operations, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and in line with regulatory requirements.
Client Details
Our Client is an international 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 in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia, including London, Brussels, Shanghai, and Doha.
Description
- Leads year-end billing and collection efforts, coordinating London meetings and accelerating billing where needed.
- Serves as the finance expert for Brussels and Doha, relaying needs to the U.S. global finance team.
- 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.
Profile
- Recent experience working under SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules 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
Job Offer
The offer consists of competitive salary, bonus, and benefits. The firm operates on a hybrid working schedule and is opening a brand new office in 2025 in the City of London.