Senior Finance Manager

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced & commercially astute Finance Manager to join a well-established & growing law firm in Wiltshire. Reporting directly to the Board of Equity Partners, this pivotal leadership role will drive financial strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, & support the firm's continued growth & profitability.

As Senior Finance Manager, you will provide both strategic & operational financial leadership, ensuring robust controls, compliance with regulatory requirements, & effective financial management across the firm. You will be a trusted adviser to the Board, supporting business decisions, growth initiatives & long-term financial planning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

\n
• Develop & deliver the firm's financial strategy in line with business objectives.
\n
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Board on growth, investment opportunities, mergers & acquisitions.
\n
• Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting & cash flow management.
\n
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency & overall financial performance.
\n

Financial Management

\n
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, management accounts & KPI reporting.
\n
• Manage cash flow, working capital & liquidity.
\n
• Lead payroll, pension contributions, VAT returns & tax-related matters.
\n
• Coordinate year-end accounts & external audits.
\n

Regulatory Compliance

\n
• Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules & all relevant regulatory requirements.
\n
• Oversee client account management, reconciliations & financial governance.
\n
• Work closely with the COFA and liaise with external auditors, reporting accountants & regulatory bodies where required.
\n

Leadership & Commercial Support

\n
• Provide financial insight & analysis relating to pricing, profitability, WIP, lock-up, debtors & billing performance.
\n
• Partner with senior stakeholders to drive business performance through reporting, metrics & process improvements.
\n
• Lead, mentor & develop the finance team while maintaining a hands-on approach when required.
\n

About You - To be successful in this role, you will have:

\n
• Significant senior finance leadership experience gained within a UK law firm.
\n
• Strong knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal sector compliance requirements.
\n
• Proven experience managing legal accounting, client accounts, WIP, billing, lock-up & cash flow.
\n
• A successful track record of working with Boards & senior stakeholders on strategic financial initiatives.
\n
• Excellent commercial awareness, analytical capability & leadership skills.
\n
• Strong systems knowledge, including legal practice management software, Excel & payroll systems.
\n
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification would be advantageous; however, candidates with substantial relevant legal finance experience will also be considered.
\n

What's on Offer?

\n
• Senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence.
\n
• Opportunity to shape the financial future of a growing & ambitious law firm.
\n
• Competitive salary & benefits package.
\n
• Collaborative & supportive working environment.
\n
• Direct involvement in key business decisions & growth initiatives.
\n

If you are an experienced legal finance professional looking to take the next step in your career and play a key role in the strategic direction of a growing law firm, we would welcome your application.