Legal Finance Manager

At Lightfoots Solicitors we are seeking an experienced Legal Finance Manager to lead our client accounts function and support the firm's financial management.

This role will oversee the day-to-day management of client money, legal cashiering, billing, and finance operations and ensure full compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules 2019.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in transforming the finance department to automate processes with the support of the firms in house development team.

Initially the role will be based in Thame, Oxfordshire for a minimum of three days per week. Following successfully enabling more automation and modernisation within the team, the role hybrid working pattern could eventually amend to one to two days in the office.

• Ensure client money is received, held and returned in accordance with the SRA Accounts Rules.
• Manage client account receipts, banking, payments and transfers.
• Monitor and resolve unidentified receipts and suspense items.
• Prevent use of client accounts as a banking facility.
• Oversee payment authorisations, authority limits and fraud prevention controls.
• Ensure accurate client ledger maintenance and timely reconciliations.
• Identify, investigate and rectify breaches.
• Manage residual client balances and matter closures.
• Administer client interest calculations in line with firm policy.
• Support AML procedures and staff training.
• Prepare for and manage the annual Accountant’s Report process.

• Lead and develop the legal cashiering and finance support teams.
• Maintain and improve finance procedures and controls with support from the in-house development team to modernise and improve process efficiency.
• Deliver training on client money compliance.
• Manage client accounting aspects of the practice management system.
• Ensure effective segregation of duties and audit trails.

• Assisting the CFO with financial reporting and supporting year end accounts preparation and audit requirements.
• Preparation of VAT returns and regulatory reporting.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reporting
• Deputise for the CFO when required.

• ILFM Associate or Fellowship qualifications or AAT, CIMA or ACCA qualified with relevant legal accounts experience
• Detailed knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules 2019.
• Strong understanding of AML obligations and VAT treatment.
• Experience preparing management accounts and cash flow forecasts.
• Several years' experience within a law firm finance environment.
• Experience supervising client account functions.
• Experience using legal practice management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and integrity.
• Knowledge of partnership and LLP accounting.
• Advanced Excel reporting skills.

Salary is dependent on experience and will be discussed at interview.

At Lightfoots, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where you can grow, thrive, and build a rewarding career.

We believe that great work starts with feeling valued, so we provide a wide range of benefits to support your health, wellbeing, family life, and professional development.

• Your birthday off
• Enhanced annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Enhanced pension scheme

• BUPA Private Medical Insurance
• Healthcare cash plan for everyday medical expenses for you and your dependants
• Access to a 24/7 GP service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company sick pay
• Free flu vaccinations
• Discounted gym memberships
• Wellbeing and awareness events throughout the year
• Qualified Mental Health First Aiders across the firm for confidential support

• The option to use your paid sickness entitlement if a dependant is unwell and needs your care
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
• A range of family-friendly policies
• Generous discounts on legal services
• Significant learning and development opportunities
• Structured appraisal process
• Sponsored training and qualifications
• Networking opportunities
• Access to thousands of webinars and training activities

• Opportunities to get involved in our Charity, Wellbeing, and ESG Committees
• Firm-wide social events throughout the year, including informal socials, quiz nights, book club, and more

As a Disability Confident employer, we promote diversity and provide equal…