Head of Finance

Head of Finance Bury St Edmunds (hybrid)

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Finance to lead the financial operations of a well-established, mid-sized law firm. This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring full compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules, regulatory frameworks and accounting standards, while delivering accurate, timely and insightful financial reporting.

The successful candidate will oversee a team of six covering legal cashiering, purchase ledger, billing and credit control, ensuring high performance across all day-to-day finance activities.

The Role

As Head of Finance, you will take full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy and oversight of the firm's financial operations. Working closely with the Partnership Accountant and senior leadership, you will ensure strong controls, robust reporting and the smooth running of all finance processes.

Key areas include monthly management information, annual partnership accounting, VAT compliance, system administration and maintaining strong financial governance across the firm.

This role offers hybrid working, a collaborative culture and the opportunity to play a central part in the continued success and stability of the firm.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

• Produce monthly management information packs, including KPIs, to monitor and analyse firm-wide financial performance.
• Prepare annual profit and equity-sharing accounts for the partnership.
• Maintain partner current accounts, drawings and profit distributions.
• Deliver accurate P&L and balance sheet control as part of the monthly reporting cycle.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all finance team procedures fully comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Complete quarterly VAT returns and advise on correct VAT treatment for costs and revenue.
• Maintain accuracy and regulatory compliance in relation to client funds and financial controls.

Operational Leadership

• Manage a team of six across legal cashiering, purchase ledger, billing and credit control.
• Support team performance, development and workload planning.
• Act as a key liaison point with the Partnership Accountant.

Systems & Administration

• Oversee system administration for the firm's banking platforms and practice management system.
• Contribute to process improvements and help embed best practice across all finance operations.
• Support month-end processes, including occasional out-of-hours work (2-3 hours per month).

Essential Skills & Experience

• 3-5 years' experience in legal finance or a similar professional services environment.
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proficient with legal accounting software.
• Strong people manager with experience leading a busy finance team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Experience

• Understanding of client money accounting principles and the associated regulatory environment.
• Up-to-date knowledge of VAT and PAYE procedures.
• Experience with in a mid-sized, owner-managed business.

If you have Finance Leadership experience in the Legal sector or Professional Services then please apply today.