Finance Operations Manager

Are you a finance professional who thrives on driving operational excellence, leading teams, and improving processes?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Operations Manager to join our collaborative Finance team. Working closely with the Head of Finance Operations and the Assistant Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of our finance operations function — including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank accounts, and cash management.

In this role, you’ll have the chance to combine hands-on financial management with people leadership. You’ll support and develop a high-performing team, identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, and contribute to the delivery of a first-class finance service across our business.

About the role

In this role, you will:

• Support the Head of Finance Operations, to ensure the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams are delivering services in line with the Finance strategy.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of financial operations professionals, ensuring the team has the skills and resources to meet operational goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Provide expert guidance to the Assistant Manager in all aspects of their role, including the creation and implementation of development plans for the AP and AR teams.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and leverage technology for efficiency gains.
• Support internal and external audits, providing accurate and timely information.
• Leading activities in relation to accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank account management.
• Ensure a cohesive working environment to ensure constantly high quality of service is delivered to internal and external clients.
• Act as escalation point for issues concerning financial operations transactions, ensuring solutions are identified promptly and preventative measures are delivered.
• Ensure effective training, procedures and policies are in place, and that the team adhere to them.
• Manage cash flow forecasting to ensure sufficient funding for operational needs.
• Provide high level review of regular cashflow and month end reporting
• Ensure any/all outstanding unreconciled entries are investigated and resolved in a timely manner
• Review existing and develop new procedures, that will benefit the Finance Team and our internal customers
• Support foreign currency management to reduce transaction costs and optimise cash flow across multiple currencies.
• Supervise the administration of client monies accounts (receipting of incoming funds, processing of outward payments, ensuring relevant due diligence in accordance with internal procedures)
• Be the go-to person in relation to any regulatory requirements relating to client monies accounts

About you – essential requirements 

• Degree-level education and/or a professional qualification in finance is desirable.
• Proven track record of successfully operating at a manager level within a partnership culture and/or professional services environment.
• Demonstrable experience in managing and developing a team
• Experience of managing accounts payable/receivable in professional services 
• Understanding of law firm regulatory environment in respect of cash and client money handling would be beneficial
• Good knowledge of technology and systems relevant to law and professional services (in particular, Elite and / or ViewPoint knowledge would be beneficial)
• Confident and effective communicator able to work effectively at all levels within an organisation.
• Collaborative team skills with the ability to develop effective working relationships with team members and wider stakeholders.
• Able to demonstrate high levels of initiative and decision-making capability and to be comfortable working within a results driven environment with accuracy and focus.
• Personal organisational and time management skills and the ability to understand and prioritise the workload of self and others.

Accounts Payable Assistant

Operating as part of the Finance function, this role has day to day responsibility for the maintenance of the accounts payable solutions including processing of accounts payable across all Group entities. The role ensures all creditors are paid accurately and on time, in accordance with company policies, contributing to strong financial control and regulatory compliance. 

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and process supplier invoices, ensuring compliance with internal policies and authorisation procedures
• Prepare and submit payment runs on a scheduled basis, ensuring all payments are authorised and in line with firm policies
• Maintain accurate records of accounts payable transactions, updating the financial management system accordingly
• Respond to supplier queries and liaise with internal departments to resolve invoice or payment issues efficiently. Resolution within 48 hours of queries to ensure un-reconciled items are identified
• Reconcile supplier statements, investigating outstanding or disputed items.
• Support the preparation of GST/VAT returns by ensuring invoices are processed correctly for different jurisdictions
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal controls
• Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives within the Finance team
• Assist with ad hoc finance projects and tasks as required
• Work collaboratively within Finance Operations to assist others at peak times and periods of absences
• Respond to miscellaneous queries from fee earners, support staff and third parties within 24 hours
• Develop strong relationships with all Group Finance functions to ensure identification, efficiency and consistent use of best practices
• Proactive identification, implementation and adoption of system and process enhancements to ensure excellent client service and drive efficiency
• Perform all aspects of roles in accordance with policy, procedure and controls

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• The role requires a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail, combined with discretion and the ability to work in a professional legal environment
• Highly diligent with an organised and timely approach to work
• Excellent client service mentality with a ‘can do, will do’ attitude
• Ability to work proactively and effectively within a team and with minimal supervision
• Analytical and logical approach, with a strong sense of initiative and high attention to detail
• Awareness of the importance of the wider commercial environment
• Commitment to team working and willingness to support colleagues as required
• Essential: basic proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office
• Preferred: previous experience in accounts payable, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment