Head of Finance - Interim

Location: Chilton Trinity

Interim Head of Finance - Law Firm Bournemouth Area | £400-£500 per day (Inside IR35, Umbrella) | Immediate Start | Full-Time or Fractional A well-established multi-site legal practice is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Finance to join on an open-ended interim basis. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and managing a small team, this is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who can make an immediate impact.

The role is ideally hybrid, although the firm will consider candidates able to attend the office approximately one day per week.

Key Responsibilities Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning. Prepare monthly management accounts and Board reporting. Manage cash flow, working capital and financial performance. Oversee payroll, VAT, PAYE, pensions and statutory compliance. Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and regulatory requirements. Monitor WIP, billing, lock-up, debtors and profitability. Provide commercial insight and financial analysis to support decision-making. Supervise and support the Accounts Assistant.

Requirements Significant finance leadership experience within a UK law firm. Strong knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting. ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or equivalent legal finance experience. Proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts. Strong understanding of WIP, billing, client accounts, cash flow and lock-up.

Experience with legal practice management systems and advanced Excel. Able to operate strategically whilst remaining hands-on when required.