Head of Finance

A growing, boutique North London based law firm is seeking a Head of Finance to build and lead its finance function during a transformative period.

This is a rare opportunity to join a firm at a pivotal stage, moving from a fully outsourced finance model to an in-house, best-in-class function. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, you'll play a key leadership role, shaping finance strategy while remaining hands-on in delivery.

The Opportunity

Currently, finance is managed by an external provider. While the day-to-day operation is looked after, there is an opportunity to introduce greater proactivity, commercial insight, and control, particularly around WIP, lock-up, and financial performance.

This role will:

• Design and build an in-house finance team from scratch
• Lead the transition from outsourced to internal finance (c. first 6 months)
• Work closely with partners to drive financial visibility and performance improvements
• Act as a key member of the Operations Board, influencing firm-wide decision making
• Play a critical role in a systems implementation

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Build, recruit, and lead the finance team (likely starting with legal cashiers and support staff)
• Develop and implement a clear roadmap for the finance function
• Provide commercial insight and financial leadership to partners and senior stakeholders
• Contribute to strategic planning and business growth

Financial Management

• Produce monthly management accounts, budgets, and forecasts
• Monitor financial performance, cash flow, and key metrics (WIP, lock-up, debtor days)
• Improve financial controls, processes, and reporting
• Manage audit, VAT, payroll oversight, and external relationships

Legal Finance & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and act as COFA
• Oversee legal cashiering activities, including client accounts, reconciliations, and billing
• Support conveyancing transactions and high-value completions where required

• Drive a more proactive finance culture (e.g. WIP management, partner engagement)
• Support fee earners with pricing, billing, and profitability analysis
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies

Experience needed:

• A qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) preferred, though strong QBE candidates will be considered
• Experience with in a law firm environment, ideally in a smaller firm
• Strong understanding of SRA Accounts Rules and legal cashiering
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders
• A hands-on, proactive approach-comfortable operating strategically while getting into the detail
• Someone with personality and presence, who enjoys partnering with the business and driving change

Why Join?

• Opportunity to build a finance function from the ground up
• Direct exposure to and influence over senior leadership and business strategy
• A collaborative, people-focused culture with strong growth ambitions
• Involvement in systems transformation and operational improvement projects

If you're looking for a role where you can truly shape a finance function and make a visible impact on a growing business, this is an exceptional opportunity to do so.

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