Finance Director

We are seeking an experienced and strategic finance professional to join a leading legal practice as Finance Director. This senior role reports directly to the Managing Director and offers full visibility across the business, providing the opportunity to influence strategic growth, mergers, and investment decisions.

The RoleAs Finance Director, you will act as a trusted financial advisor to the Board and senior leadership team, leading and developing the finance function to deliver robust financial management, insightful reporting, and strong governance. This is a hands-on, operational role as well as a strategic partner, ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the firm's financial strategy in line with business objectives

• Act as a key advisor to the Managing Director, Board, and senior leadership team

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, promoting accountability, technical excellence, and a high-performance culture

• Contribute to firm-wide strategic planning, growth initiatives, and investment decisions

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning

• Produce timely and accurate management accounts and reports

• Analyze financial performance, profitability by practice area, matter, and client

• Monitor key financial metrics including cash flow, WIP, lock-up, and partner drawings

Law Firm Finance Expertise

• Manage bonus schemes and other compensation models

• Oversee billing, revenue recognition, matter profitability, and WIP management

• Support pricing strategies and fee arrangements to maximize profitability

Compliance, Risk & Systems Oversight

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, tax, and accounting requirements relevant to legal practices

• Oversee audits, tax filings, and liaise with external advisors

• Maintain robust financial controls, risk management, and governance frameworks

• Drive process improvements and automation to increase efficiency and accuracy

• Manage relationships with banks, insurers, and external financial partners

What We're Looking For

• ACA / CIMA / ACCA qualified, with significant finance leadership experience in a professional services environment

• Hands-on experience across reporting, compliance, controls, and commercial decision-making

• Strong leadership and people management skills, able to inspire and develop a high-performing team

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, confident presenting financial insight to senior leadership

This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to shape the firm's financial strategy, drive growth, and lead a talented finance team in a leading legal practice.