Finance Manager

GBP50,000 - GBP55,000 DOE

Plus bonus offered up to 15%

London

Our client is a leading set specialising in Employment, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, Professional Negligence, Commercial Litigation, Insurance, Reinsurance, IT and Telecoms, Tax. They are seeking applications for the newly created post of Accounts Manager, reporting to the Chambers Administrator and responsible for managing all aspects of chambers finances and leading the accounts team in fees collection.

The role includes responsibility for all aspects of bookkeeping, including preparation and submission of quarterly vat returns, monitoring chambers income, preparation of reports including budget variance, cash flow and debtors reports and contributing to the preparation of the annual budget. The accounts manager will be expected to be involved day-to-day in all aspects of fee collection, credit control and active management of the aged debt.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in bookkeeping (taking accounts to trial balance) and fee collection, and the ability to proactively lead and manage an established team. They will be expected to work collaboratively to identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency. Advanced knowledge of Sage, familiarity with LEX, excellent attention to detail and a rigorous approach to record-keeping are prerequisites

Job Title: Accounts Manager

Position reports to: Director of Operations

Direct Reports: Accounts Team (4 x Fees Clerks/Accounts Assistants)

Primary responsibilities:

Working with the Director of Operations to manage all aspects of chambers finances, and meet reporting requirements. Leading the accounts team, identify and implement process improvements for fee collection and management of the aged debt, including debt recovery. Managing the accounts team to achieve departmental targets and objectives.

Detailed responsibilities

Accounting

Complying with chambers existing financial controls (systems and procedures), providing analysis into income and expenditure, producing financial management reports to an agreed timetable. Responsible for all aspects of bookkeeping including bank reconciliations, processing of payments (suppliers, VAT, etc.), monthly members invoices (including recharges), credit control, managing credit cards and petty cash, in line with internal expenditure controls. Monitoring chambers income, preparation of reports including budget variance, cash flow and debtors reports and contributing to the preparation of the annual budget. Managing the Escrow account (fee payments), recording Escrow transactions and ensuring that fees are transferred to members in a timely manner. Reconciling and submitting quarterly VAT returns. Responsible for liaising with Chambers accountants, managing the year-end process, preparing the audit pack, producing schedules, and providing prompt assistance to auditors. Resolving members queries in relation to charges, account reconciliations (Lex vs Sage), and tax/vat reporting.

Fee Collection

Responsible for leading the accounts team, and for day-to-day involvement in all aspects of fee collection, credit control and active management of the aged debt. Analysing and reporting on the aged debt and ensuring individual members aged debts are reviewed a minimum of twice per annum. Responsible for proposing and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency and to ensure prompt identification of problem debts/firms, and the process for escalating these.

Managing and leading the Team

Lead and motivate the team to achieve departmental goals and objectives. Foster a positive team culture to encourage open communication and knowledge sharing and collaborating with other teams. Provide coaching, guidance, and support to team members to enhance their professional development. Identify training needs and organise relevant training sessions. Conduct performance appraisals and provide constructive feedback to team members.

Candidate Specification

Advanced knowledge of Sage and familiarity with LEX.

Extensive bookkeeping experience - taking accounts to trial balance.

Experience of fee collection and active aged debt management.

Excellent attention to detail and a rigorous approach data analysis and record

keeping.

High-level literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.

First rate communication skills written and oral.

People management skills including the ability to work with all levels of staff.

Attributes

The successful candidate will possess the following attributes:

Ability to proactively lead and manage an established team.

Approachable manner and good interpersonal skills.

Ability to work to tight deadlines and to contribute efficiently as part of the

management team.

An attitude of seeking continuous improvements.

Ability to implement change that increases the efficiency of the accounts team,through collaboration and engagement.