Finance Manager

We are working with a prestigious global law firm based in stunning offices, central London, to recruit an experienced Finance Manager to join their team on a permanent basis. The firm's client base features top-tier US businesses, they have 20 offices worldwide and have seen growth year on year for the past quarter of a century!

This is a busy and varied role where the Finance Manager will manage and oversee the London finance team. The role is primarily an operational position, you will be ensuring the smooth running of Billing and Financial Accounts section day to day. For this position you will need to have a big character and strong leadership skills, a big aspect of this role is the management of the team and it will be necessary to lead by example whilst also monitoring individuals and team performance.

Responsibilities:

• Producing and dealing with cashflow forecasts for the London and international offices
• Generating ad-hoc reports for Partners associated with their billing and other reports such as compensation planning
• International payments and using multiple banks across different platforms
• Managing client/trust monies, cleaning up trust residual balances
• Being aware of and dealing with operating taxes, VAT, import VAT, preparing VAT Returns and Making Tax Digital changes
• Complex general ledger reconciliations, keeping track of accrual-based Returns in a cash basis system and VAT compliance in both accounts payable and billing systems
• Having a knowledge of and dealing with applying for tax residency certificates in the UK
• Liaising with banks and tax advisors
• Reviewing and dealing with tax matters to reduce dependency on external service providers
• Managing the processing and payment of the Brussels and Dubai office attorney payroll, including settlement of related taxes and pension liabilities
• Preparing the periodic VAT return for each office and submitting to management for approval
• Handling VAT payments and refunds as necessary
• Ensuring regulatory requirements and deadlines are met (e.g. VAT returns, payroll taxes, SRA Accounts Rules, local tax payments, etc.)
• Supervision and mentoring of Accounts staff, training, performance, carrying out mid & year-end staff evaluations
• Management of staff absences, WFH rota, overtime and temp staff
• Liaison between Partners in London, Brussels and Dubai, and the Accounts department

• Ensuring compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and being an active member of the compliance team
• Ensuring accurate billing, posting of cash receipts and answering queries from fee-earners and staff
• Supervising invoice and expense payments
• Managing the cash requirements of the London, Brussels and Dubai offices, including the preparation of a monthly cash statement
• Supervising the billing process and the preparation of bills

• Managing the preparation of the London office annual Accountant's Report

The Finance Manager must have relevant experience within a senior finance function at a Law Firm and have a strong understanding of SRA, accounting and tax requirements in the UK. An accounting qualification is preferred. Knowledge of CMS Aderant and/or Elite Enterprise or 3e would be highly beneficial.

Knowledge of compliance, AML and how banks effect large payments is essential. Experience of producing cashflow forecasts and managing client/trust monies. Payroll knowledge (P11D's, PSAs + pay and pension in the UK). Tax matters knowledge.

• Strong leadership and team working skills
• Self-motivated, pro-active and positive
• Flexible and agile with change
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent project management, organization and analytical skills
• Ability to cope under pressure and prioritize

If you have not received a response within 72 hours, please assume you have not been shortlisted at this stage.