Financial Director

Overview

An established National Legal Aid UK law firm is seeking a commercially minded, hands-on, 'sleeves-rolled-up' Finance Director to lead financial operations and drive the next phase of growth. The organisation currently relies largely on manual, Excel-based processes and is seeking a finance leader to modernise its systems, improve efficiency, and enhance revenue and profitability.

This role will oversee a finance team, lead strategic financial planning, work closely with the managing partner, and play a key role in shaping the firm’s commercial direction. This will suit an applicant in a Financial Controller position who has reached a glass ceiling or has no prospect of promotion.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Partner with the senior leadership team to design and deliver financial strategies supporting sustainable growth and profitability.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, optimise cost structures, and enhance financial performance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Develop scalable processes and systems to support expansion.
• Provide commercial insight and data-driven recommendations to influence strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Solicitors Accounts Rules (SAR), and serve as the COFA.

Operational Finance Management

• Manage payroll processing to ensure that it is accurate and compliant with regulations.
• Manage general ledger activity, journal entries, and financial transactions.
• Lead credit control and maintain effective cash flow management.
• Supervise accounts payable, including supplier reconciliations and payments.
• Maintain and enhance Excel-based reporting tools while leading the shift toward more automated systems.
• Support integration between finance and HR systems.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a finance team based in London, with collaboration across multiple locations.
• Provide guidance, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of teamwork and operational excellence.

Candidate Profile

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in law firm finance, ideally including exposure to criminal law or legal aid environments.
• Background in both strategic finance and hands-on operational tasks (payroll, credit control, AP, GL).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, financial modelling).
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams across multiple sites.
• Familiarity with HR systems is advantageous.
• Commercially astute, proactive, and collaborative.