Finance Manager, Operations

 Job Description:

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

We have an exciting opportunity for a Finance 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 day-to-day 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 management. 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:

  • Oversee operational activities in relation to accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank account management.
  • Maintain a cohesive working environment where the team delivers reliable and professional service to internal and external clients.
  • Act as the escalation point for issues relating to financial operations transactions, resolving matters promptly and putting in place preventative measures.
  • Ensure that procedures, guidance and training materials are up to date and that the team follows them consistently.
  • Oversee cash flow forecasting to ensure sufficient funding for operational needs.
  • Review regular cashflow and month end reporting at a high level to ensure information is complete, consistent and fit for purpose.
  • Ensure unreconciled items are monitored, investigated and cleared in a timely manner
  • Review existing procedures and introduce improvements that benefit the Finance team and the wider business
  • Support foreign currency processes to manage costs and optimise cash flow across multiple currencies.
  • Manage, coach and develop the finance operations team, promoting a collaborative environment where people are supported and encouraged to grow.
  • Provide guidance to the Assistant Manager in all aspects of their role.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, streamline processes and make better use of available and new technology.
  • Assist with information and coordination for internal and external audits, ensuring responses are timely, accurate and well organised

About you – essential requirements

  • Experience operating at manager level within a professional services or partnership environment, with a strong background in leading operational finance teams.
  • Proven experience managing accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ideally within a law firm or other professional services setting.
  • Understanding of client money requirements or willingness to develop this knowledge.
  • Confidence using finance systems and technology used in professional services, with experience of Elite or ViewPoint an advantage.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
  • A calm, organised and proactive approach, with good judgement, strong prioritisation skills and the ability to manage your own workload and that of the team.
  Required Skills:

Operations Finance