Financial Controller

Location: Swindon (Hybrid)
Salary: £65,000 - £80,000 + Benefits
Type: Full-Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

An established and growing legal practice is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead its finance function and support the firm's continued growth.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, cash flow management and team leadership. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner and working closely with the wider leadership team, you will play a key role in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of the firm.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Compliance

• Lead and manage the firm's finance function, ensuring robust financial controls and governance.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Oversee client account reconciliations and client money management processes.
• Manage year-end accounts preparation and coordinate external audits.
• Maintain effective financial policies, procedures and internal controls.

Management Reporting

• Produce accurate monthly management accounts and financial reporting packs.
• Deliver insightful analysis on profitability, departmental performance and fee earner productivity.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts for the Partners and leadership team.
• Monitor key performance indicators including utilisation, recovery rates, lock-up and cash collection.

WIP, Billing & Revenue Management

• Oversee Work in Progress (WIP), debtors and billing performance across the firm.
• Drive improvements in billing processes and working capital management.
• Monitor aged debt and implement strategies to improve cash collection.
• Partner with Department Heads to maximise financial performance and profitability

Leadership

• Lead and develop the finance team, including legal cashiers and finance staff.
• Drive process improvements and finance systems enhancements.
• Support strategic projects and growth initiatives across the firm.
• Build strong relationships with Partners and senior stakeholders.

About You

Essential Experience

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification.
• Understanding of regulatory and operational complexities
• Strong knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules.
• Experience managing client accounts and client money.
• Strong understanding of legal cashiering processes.
• Experience overseeing WIP, billing and debt recovery.
• Knowledge of partnership accounting and partner distributions.
• Experience producing management accounts and board-level reporting.
• Proven people management experience.

Highly Desirable

• Experience within a multi-office legal practice.
• Experience leading finance system upgrades or process improvement projects.
• Knowledge of legal practice management systems such as:
  • Aderant
  • Elite
  • SOS
  • PracticeEvolve
  • Leap
  • Proclaim