Finance Manager - Legal; Hybrid

Our client, a reputable, Private Equity-backed, international legal consulting firm in London, with ambitious growth plans, are actively seeking a Finance Manager at part-qualified ACA, CIMA or ACCA - newly qualified level. This is a hands‑on leadership role with full ownership of the finance function, reporting directly to the CFO and working closely with the Board of Directors - requiring a slick communicator who will thrive in a fast-paced Finance Manager role, and candidates either immediately available or on 1 months' notice maximum.

The successful candidate will lead the day‑to‑day finance operations including managing a Finance Assistant, taking ownership of day‑to‑day accounting duties, driving key system & process improvements such as implementing a Board pack with KPI tracking & updating detailed Budget & Cashflow models, so would suit a mind with commercial flair - a key tenet of VC‑backed businesses - to improve controls and provide strategic growth.

• Coordinate & project manage external advisors inc. ownership of deadlines & rigorous critique of deliverables.
• Manage the Finance Assistant by delegating tasks, coaching, and developing their talent
• Review and own all finance outputs, including balance sheet & P&L accountability.
• Drive process improvements focused on automation and efficiency, minimizing manual work and identifying cost‑saving opportunities.
• Map workflows, identify pain points & lead implementation of operational changes, communicating progress to the Executive team on a regular basis.
• Monitor cash flow across 6 Markets and develop strategies to optimise liquidity for growth.
• Design and maintain financial & operational KPIs, providing actionable reports to the Exec team. This will be focused on People metrics a la utilisation, project profitability, competitor analysis & quality of scoping.
• Own the month‑end close process, including preparation of Board reports and commentary.
• Lead forecasting, budgeting, and 3‑year financial planning efforts.
• Manage relationships with banks, investors, suppliers, contractors, and overseas partners, including any audit coordination.
• Collaborate closely with leadership to become a trusted partner who can aid with pricing and resourcing decisions.
• Support in credit referencing new clients, client billing, issuing statements, credit control and litigation where appropriate.
• Partner with multiple departments on commercial and operational projects, offering strategic financial insights including tracking the ROI of Marketing events.
• Oversee payroll and maintain strong oversight of HR activities, handling confidential information with discretion.
• Maintain strict cost control, ensuring spend is aligned with growth objectives.

• Essential - candidates must be on 1 months' notice maximum
• London-based and happy to be in the office 3 days per week
• Highly‑organised individual with an ability to prioritise and delegate a range of daily tasks and projects without letting anything ‘fall off the radar'.
• Strong communication skills, in particular with a global business with some overseas team and colleagues outside of Finance. Ability to provide ongoing updates, ‘roll your sleeves up' and try to meet stakeholders face to face.
• The ability to constructively challenge existing process, reporting and data whilst keeping team members motivated.
• Strong Excel and some ERP systems experience - though this isn't mandatory.
• High level of professionalism, discretion & maturity as this role will have sight of sensitive and confidential information and work with senior Directors daily.
• Cashflow management experience.
• A positive and resourceful attitude to challenges.
• A sense of fun, camaraderie and teamwork is essential - this role will offer progression for the right individual to Financial Controller