Totum is pleased to be partnering with a top 100 UK law firm based in West Sussex which is looking to recruit a Finance Director. As a key member of the Management Team, the Finance Director will lead the firm's financial management and strategy, providing reporting and analysis, supporting strategic commercial decisions, and ensuring strong financial controls and efficient accounting processes. The role holder will be instrumental in driving further profitability and growth.
The Finance Director will work closely with the Managing Partner and Management Team to craft a financial strategy that supports the firm's business goals. They will provide strategic vision to keep the finance function strong and flexible as the firm expands. The Finance Director will play a key role in mergers and acquisitions, overseeing financial due diligence, assisting in negotiating commercial terms, and collaborating with the Operations and HR Directors for seamless integration. They will also offer strategic insights by analysing industry trends, benchmarking against similar firms, and delivering informed analysis to the Managing Partner and Management Team.
The Finance Director will provide comprehensive financial management and performance oversight, offering financial analysis, forecasting and business case guidance to the Management and Senior Members teams on various business activities, investments, and targets. They will coordinate with external accountants and auditors for year-end statements and audits, manage the audit processes and present financial accounts for approval. Additionally, they will oversee budgeting, cash flow forecasts and revenue statements while ensuring effective financial management across the firm including work in progress and debtor management. The role involves managing key performance indicators, tax affairs and the remuneration structure for partners and employees as well as supporting the management of closed pension schemes and ongoing insurance matters in collaboration with HR. As the firm's Compliance Officer for Finance & Administration (COFA), you will maintain a compliance plan and foster a culture of cyber and fraud safety. Finally, you will work closely with Department Heads and fee earners to enhance financial performance and achieve departmental profit and performance targets.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACA or international equivalent) and have a solid background in the legal sector preferably within a mid-market firm. You will possess broad finance expertise, including M&A, tax and financial reporting. The candidate should have a proven track record in creating and delivering financial and commercial business strategies, managing change and improvements, and effectively integrating acquired firms. Additionally, they should have experience serving as a Compliance Officer for Finance & Administration (COFA) with in-depth knowledge of SRA financial compliance regulations.