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 within 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.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you know someone who would be great at this role, why not take advantage of our referral scheme? We offer £200 in shopping vouchers for every referred candidate who we place in a role. Terms & Conditions Apply. https://www.ambition.co.uk/refer-a-friend