Financial Controller

Ambition is currently working with a Top 60 law firm who are recruiting for a driven Financial Controller, you will play a key role in directing both the management and financial accounting functions of the firm. The Financial Controller will be responsible for ensuring key controls are effective, internal and external reporting needs are met, promote financial and commercial awareness to client-facing staff. This leading firm has highly skilled individuals working in a fast paced and dynamic business.

As the Financial Controller some of your responsibilities include:

• Work with the CFO and Head of Financial Operations to develop and deliver the Finance team strategy and in turn contribute to the strategy and success of the wider firm
• Co-ordinate the annual budget-setting and charge rate review activities with Department and Business Services leaders
• Work with the management accountant and business development to support client pitches and apply commercial best practice to the firm's pricing and discounting policies
• Assess current finance practices around the firm in managing matters, billing and debt exposure and contribute to projects and other initiatives to apply continual improvements to those processes
• Deliver presentations to partners and fee earner meetings
• Contribute to and provide analysis of industry trends and benchmark reports to provide wider insights to the firm's management
• Work with the Financial Accountant to manage the fixed asset register and all other balance sheet assets and liabilities, and undertake regular cashflow planning for the firm
• Ensure full compliance with all HMRC and other regulatory reporting requirement
• Ensure financial risks across the firm and all related controls are appropriately documented
• Support the COFA and Head of Financial Operations in establishing and maintaining processes which deliver full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules
• Provide direction, guidance and motivation to members of the financial and management accounting team, set objectives, conduct appraisal reviews and provide regular feedback on performance
• Work in partnership with senior staff across HR, IT, Marketing and Knowledge teams to manage the firm's total overheads cost base and provide financial advice and support as needed to project initiatives from all those sources
• Deputise for the CFO on occasion and represent Finance at certain meetings with partners and other fee earners as required

To be successful in this Financial Controller position, some of the requirements include:

• ACA or ACCA qualified
• Significant years of experience within professional services
• Good experience working with and reporting from an integrated Practice Management System
• IT literate including Excel skills
• Aderant experience is advantageous
• Liaising confidently with partners and fee earners
• Excellent attention to detail
• Self-motivated and team player
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

If you fit the Financial Controller description above and are interested in a position where you will be valued, please apply with your updated CV