Finance & Compliance Manager - Legal Practice (onsite)

About the role

This full‑time, onsite position supports a growing legal firm with a turnover of £8 million. The Finance & Compliance Manager will own day‑to‑day finance operations up to trial‑balance level and ensure strict adherence to SRA, COFA, GDPR and AML regulations across two offices.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain full compliance with SRA rules, GDPR, AML, COFA and other regulatory frameworks.
• Own the finance/accounts department, including income, expenditure, budgeting, AP & AR ledgers, and the full billing cycle.
• Manage the Accounts Assistant, oversee payroll, VAT returns, bank reconciliations and professional indemnity insurance.
• Monitor aged debt, credit control and produce regular financial and commercial insight reports for partners.
• Lead SAR audits, liaise with HMRC and banks, and support fee‑earners with client onboarding and KYC processes.

Required profile

• Current or recent experience in a UK legal firm as a Practice Manager or Finance Manager, with proven knowledge of SRA and COFA regulations.
• Part‑qualified or fully qualified in AAT, ACA, CIMA or ACCA, or qualified by experience.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with partners and fee‑earners.
• Based in or near Windsor and willing to work fully onsite.

Required skills

• AAT, ACA, CIMA, ACCA qualifications
• VAT return preparation
• Payroll processing, PAYE and NI payments
• Bank reconciliations
• SAR audits and HMRC liaison
• KYC and client onboarding processes
• SRA, COFA, GDPR and AML compliance