Financial Controller

Accountancy Recruit is partnering with a personal and commercial law firm in the recruitment of a Financial Controller based in Cheltenham. The role of the Financial Controller is crucial in managing the companys financial health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting decision-making. The Financial Controller will oversee financial operations, maintain accurate reporting, and lead a finance team to ensure efficiency and accuracy in financial management: providing support to all of the departments, across the business. You will be joining a collaborative and supportive environment: a culture that values individuals in a busy, but relaxed environment. Responsibilities and Duties - Leadership Setting clear goals and expectations. Providing guidance and support, i.e., mentoring, constructive feedback and helping team members develop their skills and overcome challenges. Managing performance & development by conducting regular performance reviews and identifying opportunities for development and growth. Driving continuous improvement, encouraging process enhancements and adaptability to help the team grown and succeed in a dynamic work environment. Daily Activities Cashflow inputting & monitoring. Working with the External Accountants. Bank reconciliation Client/Office/Limited/LLP. Posting - standing orders/direct debits paid and received. Banking - all cash/cheques received. Cheque requests processing requests for Client and Office. Invoices and financial statements post and check before submission to client. Staff expenses process requests. Client interest calculate. CHAPS/BACS/Fast Pay/International Money Movers set up. Credit card payments. WIP process write-offs. Purchase Ledger post invoices. Land Registry invoices due 2 days after searches requested. Clients take calls from clients with accounts queries, card payments etc. Transfer of costs. Weekly Activities Petty cash reconcile and post. Bills reconcile outstanding bills list with bill file. Directors expenses. Unpaid disbursements check / liaise with fee earners. Client ledger check balances. Office ledger check balances / liaise with fee earner (Anticipated Disbursements). Thirdfort/Xpress Legal. Monthly Activities Prepare management accounts and information packs. Client Deposit Accounts check statements from Lloyds. Deposit Accounts check statements as they arrive. Deposit Account balances apply interest. Deposit Accounts update open and closed spreadsheet. Purchase Ledger pay bi-monthly after Director/Practice Manager authorisation. Directors business charge cards. District Judge expenses (Rachel Stewart). WIP ensure all fee earners submit their WIP for updating. Annual Activities Journal Entries from Accountants. Equity Directors Car Tax/AA. Month End and Year End Activities and Reports Bank reconciliation reports. Full matter balance listings. Trial balance (combined and separately) for Limited and LLP entities. Aged bills by fee earner reports. Matters opened by fee earner report. Balance sheet (year). Matter balance summary. Deposit balance report. Fee earner reports. Develop reporting on profit and loss per department. Develop reporting on conversion of chargeable hours to billing and time from doing the work to receiving payment by department. Compliance Comply with the Companys compliance, anti-money laundering and other regulatory processes and policies. Keep yourself up to date with all changes in the Companys compliance procedures. Client Care Be involved in the Companys commitment to client care and ensure confidentiality. Training Be proactive in your own training, requesting explanation and further information or training as needed. Attend in-house training, including webinars, as required and encourage and support team development. Requirements & Skills Fully Qualified: ACA, CIMA, ACCA, AAT or Qualified by Experience Strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, analysis and cash flow management Proficiency in accounting principles, financial analysis, and risk management Knowledge of taxation, VAT, and compliance with accounting rules in a regulated sector Have a good level of commercial competence and able to analyse financial data to suggest improvements in profitability by considering pricing/billing profiles/team structure/work type etc. Ability to work closely with external partners and regulatory bodies Strong leadership and mentoring skills to manage and develop the finance team Ability to delegate tasks, set clear objectives and ensure accountability within the finance function Ability to provide financial insights and recommendations to practice manager and partners High accuracy in financial reporting, reconciliations, compliance monitoring Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to interpret financial data and identify trends and risks Proficient in the use of MS Excel and finance and practice software Strong verbal and written communication to present financial information to partners and non-financial staff Strong negotiation skills, ability to negotiate with vendors, auditors, and regulatory bodies. Remuneration Salary £50 60,000 pa Hours: 37.5-hour week. Core hours 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (Discretionary days at Christmas) Pension: Auto Enrolment Private Medical Health Insurance Death in Service x 3 Study support & career development Involvement in the charity of the year support Member of the firms social committee activities Initially office based 1 day per week hybrid to follow probation

Location: Cheltenham, GB

Posted Date: 6/26/2025