Finance Director

Pentagon Talent have exclusively partnered with a top 200 UK Law Firm, based in Reading, in search of a Finance Director. As a dynamic organisation with deep rotted relationships and an incredibly credible brand within the UK legal market, this firm offers an environment second to none to grow and develop. The successful Finance Director will be based out of the firms impressive office in the vibrant hub of Reading, and will be expected to occasional travel to the firms other offices around the UK. With responsibility over the efficiency and productivity of operational finance as well as month end and year end accounting processes, this role offers the successful Finance Director a unique chance to be a key player in shaping the financial landscape of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities for the Finance Director:

• Manages the timely production of monthly management accounts, providing insightful analyses of firm-wide and departmental performance against budgets and targets.
• Develops and maintains a real-time dashboard reporting WIP, AR, lockup, billings, and other crucial metrics, adapting it to evolving business needs.
• Oversees the firm-wide financial forecasting model, collaborating with key stakeholders for quarterly updates covering PL, BS, and CF.
• Leads efforts to enhance the firm's Business Intelligence and real-time performance Dashboard systems.
• Serves as a bank payment authorizer and cheque signatory within agreed limits.
• Collaborates with the Finance Manager to maintain a rolling daily cash flow forecast, aligning it with the CF forecast.
• Directs the preparation of the firm's annual LLP statutory accounts, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and law society rules.
• Liaises with external auditors, managing the annual LLP statutory audit and promptly addressing queries.
• Supervises the quarterly VAT return process and handles HMRC inspections if they arise.
• Conducts periodic reviews of the firm's policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Reviews Partners' drawings and current/capital account statements, resolving discrepancies and ensuring compliance.
• Leads the firm's annual budget process, participating in setting granular KPIs for fee earners.
• Develops the firm's capabilities in departmental, matter, and client profitability analyses, supporting strategic decision-making.

Key Requirements for the Finance Director:

• Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA with relevant experience.
• Experience as a Finance No. 1 or No. 2 within a law firm.
• Up-to-date knowledge of financial accounting standards, SRA accounting rules, and accounting for LLPs.
• Familiarity with VAT rules, payroll, and taxation; working knowledge of Elite 3e is desirable.
• Proven track record in navigating financial accounting standards and regulations.
• Detail-oriented with strong IT skills, particularly in advanced MS Office, especially Excel.

This position would provide the perfect opportunity for a current Financial Controller or other Senior Finance professional within the legal sector, seeking the next step in their career. The Reading based law firm pride themselves on their understanding of a healthy work life balance, which is reflected in their hybrid working policy. Furthermore, a collaborative, diverse and inclusive working culture is encouraged and fulfilled at every level of seniority and specialism, meaning that people from every background have the opportunity to embark and progress in a successful career with the well respected firm. If you are ready to take your finance career to new heights and be an integral part of our success story, we invite you to explore this opportunity further and consider becoming a vital contributor to our financial excellence. If this role is of interest to you, please apply below.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.