Job Description
Job Title: Finance Officer
Overview
The Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the firm's financial operations, ensuring accurate day-to-day accounting processes and maintaining strong financial controls. The role covers accounts payable and receivable, banking, compliance, reporting, and support with budgeting and financial planning. The Finance Officer will contribute to both short- and long-term financial stability while ensuring adherence to regulatory and professional standards.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting
Manage day-to-day accounts payable and receivable transactions.
Perform daily bank reconciliations and oversee banking activities.
Prepare weekly cashflow reports, including projected cashflow and income analysis.
Handle financial completions, including CHAPS and BACS payments (incoming and outgoing) and verification of completion statements.
Process payments and receipts via online banking, cheque, and debit card.
Assist with month-end and year-end close processes.
Maintain an effective credit control system in the absence of the Operations Finance Manager.
Compliance and Audit
Oversee the financial elements of the file opening process, ensuring Client Risk & Assessment Forms and ID documentation are complete and conducting AML checks where required.
Manage the financial aspects of the file closure process, ensuring account ledgers are reconciled and completing the relevant finance documentation.
Support compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and legal sector requirements.
Prepare documentation and information for external auditors, accountants, and regulatory bodies as required.
Budgeting and Forecasting
Prepare financial reports for senior management, including work in progress (WIP) and billing reports.
Work closely with Finance Managers to monitor performance against budget.
Support the Strategic Finance Manager in preparing firm-wide budgets and contributing to financial planning initiatives.
Client Management and Administration
Respond to internal accounts queries and provide support on finance-related matters.
Process client payments over the phone and in person, handling related finance queries professionally and efficiently.
Provide administrative support to the Finance team, including filing and scanning as required.
Skills and Experience
Proven experience in a finance administration or finance officer role, with the ability to manage daily accounting tasks independently.
Minimum AAT Level 2 or 3 qualification (or equivalent), such as ILFM, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, or currently studying towards a recognised accounting qualification.
Experience working in a regulated environment (knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules or the legal sector is advantageous but not essential).
Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
Proactive approach with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with legal accounting software is desirable but not essential.
This role would suit a detail-oriented and proactive finance professional who thrives in a structured, regulated environment and is keen to contribute to the continued financial success of the firm.
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.
