About the role
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Legal Finance Officer to join our team and work closely with the Managing Director and the Head of Legal Practice.
As a Legal Finance Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the accurate financial management of legal matters, tracking expenses, create monthly reports, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations and optimising financial operations from a business perspective. This position requires a good understanding of legal processes and financial management, as well as exceptional analytical skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Financial Planning and Budgeting: Collaborate with the legal team to develop and monitor budgets for legal projects, cases, and expenses. Provide insightful financial analysis and recommendations to support decision-making and cost optimisation.
- Cost Management: Oversee and control expenses, ensuring adherence to approved budgets and cost-effective allocation of resources. Identify potential cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to enhance financial efficiency.
- Accounts Receivable: Monitor and manage accounts receivable, follow up on outstanding payments.
- Financial Reporting: Generate monthly financial reports and performance metrics, and share with the team.
- Tax Compliance: Ensure compliance with tax regulations by preparing and filing accurate tax returns. Stay updated on tax laws and regulations to minimize tax liabilities and optimize financial strategies.
- Compliance and Auditing: Ensure compliance with financial and accounting regulations, legal guidelines, and internal policies. Prepare documentation for financial audits.
- Client Accounting: Handle client accounts and ensure compliance with regulations, including accurate record-keeping and reconciliation.
- Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analysis to support legal strategy, such as assessing the financial viability of potential cases or projects and providing cost projections.
- Vendor Management: Collaborate with other legal service providers, negotiate fee arrangements, monitor service levels, and manage vendor relationships.
- Financial Systems Management: Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial software and systems, ensuring accurate data entry and reliable financial reporting.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the legal professionals, and other departments to provide financial insights, collaborate on projects, and support overall organizational goals.
- SRA Compliance: As a law firm, we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and you will therefore have to ensure that our practices align with SRA Accounts rules.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Mid-level experience in financial management, accounting, or financial analysis, preferably within the legal industry.
- Strong understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and legal billing guidelines.
- Familiarity with legal processes, terminology, and regulations to ensure compliance with industry-specific financial requirements (or a willingness to learn them fast!)
- Proficient in using financial management software such as Xero, Dext and Clio.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and generate actionable insights.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with legal professionals, clients, and collaborators.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Integrity, discretion, and a commitment to maintaining client confidentiality.
- An ability to think critically and on your own fit, and the ambition to grow into a CFO position within the next 5 years at Linkilaw.
BENEFITS
- Competitive salary
- Private health insurance
- 20 days annual leave
- 5 wellbeing days (Wake up feeling down? No need to pretend, it happens to us all.)
- Regular team outings and social events (past events include cooking classes, zip-lining, karaoke and happy hours)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible working model
- International travel for company retreats
