Finance Director – Law Firm

About the role

The client is seeking an experienced Finance Director to join the leadership team of a growing law firm in Chippenham, Wiltshire. This senior strategic position will shape the firm’s financial management, ensure regulatory compliance and support long‑term growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the firm’s financial strategy and long‑term business planning
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, management accounts and financial reports
• Monitor cash flow, profitability, WIP, lock‑up, debtors and billing performance
• Manage payroll, pensions, PAYE, National Insurance and VAT returns
• Oversee year‑end accounts and coordinate external audits
• Ensure full compliance with SRA Accounts Rules and other regulatory obligations
• Manage client accounts, reconciliations and financial controls
• Support the firm’s COFA and liaise with reporting accountants and regulators
• Provide commercial financial analysis for business decisions
• Develop financial reporting, KPIs and performance dashboards
• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team
• Assist with day‑to‑day legal cashier duties when required

Required profile

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or equivalent legal finance experience
• Senior finance leadership experience within a UK law firm
• Strong knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures
• Experience of financial planning, budgeting and board‑level reporting
• Knowledge of WIP, billing, lock‑up, cash‑flow management and client accounts
• Commercial awareness and strong analytical abilities
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Proficiency with legal practice management systems, Excel and payroll software
• Ability to supervise a small finance team while remaining hands‑on

Required skills

• Excel
• Legal practice management systems
• Payroll software

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Senior leadership position with strategic influence
• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing law firm
• Supportive and collaborative working environment