Financial Controller

Job Description

Role: Financial ControllerWe are working with a leading law firm specialising in litigation and immigration and is also a leading specialist in PPI Plevin claims.Currently turning over around £2million, the firm plans to grow this to over £8million over the next 18 months To facilitate that groth they are now looking for a talented and experienced Financial Controller to support the company through the necessary changes to meet that goal.This key position is a new role and is the ideal one for someone with aspirations to grow the part to that of a Finance Director as the company grows. The role will involve the day to day direction of the team. It will require taking a forward-planning approach to the companys financial processes and accounts, with emphasis on the communication of financial concepts and outcomes to our projects.Purpose of the roleThe Financial Controller will be responsible for the provision of financial information, analysis and advice to Directors, and for the day-to-day operations of Finance.The financial controller will ensure the maintenance of accurate financial records, assist in the production of reports and accounts, and maintain and develop an effective system of controls and an organisational culture that strategically manages risk.The Financial Controller will ensure systems and processes are in place to enable the firm, its managers and employees, and anyone who has an interest in the firm, to comply with the SRA Handbook requirementsTechnical KnowledgeThe following points are the requirements of the role. Experience in the design, set up and operation of business financial control processes in a law firm or a financial industry, e.g. invoicing, purchase order processing, expense/bill processing, payroll processing etc. Knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules Experience in managing the finances of an SME, e.g. credit control, cash flow etc. Statutory reporting experience for an SME, e.g. VAT returns, annual accounts etc. Experience in the development of a financial information management system for an SME Experience of small business accounting rules and regulations Budgeting and financial planning experience An accountancy qualification (ACCA or CIMA qualified) Working familiarity with Sage 200 Experience of working with a Practice Management System would be beneficial, although not essential).Activities/ResponsibilitiesThe role will require the following typical activities. Overseeing and checking the finance and accounting teams daily activities in respect of the general ledger accounts including payroll, VAT, cashflow management, accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, and directing/assisting when needed Reviewing and where necessary changing the current management accounting activities Providing accurate reports and metrics to company management on the status of client accounts Ensuring consistency, accurate entry, and accurate reporting of all accounts Providing accurate Cashflow forecasting Liaison with Company Accountants Liaison with the bank regarding drawdown and reconciliation of the borrowing facility Liaising with the technical staff to ensure strong financial management of the businesss contracts Ad hoc client profitability analysis Provision of project profitability analysis weekly.DeliverablesThe Financial Controller will be responsible for: Monthly management accounts and statutory accounting Oversee the firm adheres to SRA rules on client money Preparation of finance pack in numerical and dashboard-style, and monthly management reporting. Attending monthly meetings and presenting results Support to the Directors at client meetings Maintaining systems and procedures to ensure the efficient processing of all regular transactions Implementation control and of established and new accounting procedures Monitoring and improvement of established accounting procedures and implementation of relevant additional procedures Working with the business to develop a Budgeting and Forecasting (short term & long term) process Ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements including VAT, Corporation Tax and CIS responsibilities Providing an appropriate internal control framework is in place to safeguard the business Takes all reasonable steps to:o Ensure that the authorised body, its employees and managers, comply with any obligations imposed under the SRA Accounts Ruleso Keep a record of any failure to meet and make this record available to the SRA