This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and experienced Financial Controller to join our finance team based in Reading.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the firm, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial reporting and controls. You’ll play a key role in maintaining compliance with SRA Accounts Rules, managing financial processes, and supporting the firm through system and process improvements.

You’ll also provide leadership and managerial support to a dedicated team including credit controllers, accounts payable clerks, cashiers, accounts assistants, and the assistant management accountant.

As an organisation, we operate a hybrid working model, and the successful candidate will be required to attend our Reading office two days per week.

Experience/ Attributes required

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar Financial Controller or senior finance role within a law firm or professional services environment.
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
• In-depth knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules and VAT regulations relevant to the legal sector.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis).
• Experience working with integrated ERP or practice management systems, ideally Elite 3E.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, with strong attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Direct experience using Elite 3E or a similar legal practice management system.
• Experience with Power BI or other data visualisation tools.
• Prior involvement in system upgrades or finance transformation projects.

Work type

• Leading, coaching, and developing direct and indirect reports across the finance function.
• Overseeing the preparation of monthly management accounts and reporting on firm-wide profit and loss performance.
• Reconciling all balance sheet accounts and managing the month-end timetable and supporting schedules.
• Ensuring accurate and compliant VAT returns and adherence to SRA Accounts Rules.
• Supporting and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the Elite 3E system and related financial processes.
• Developing Power BI dashboards and operational reports to enhance financial visibility and decision-making.
• Reviewing existing finance processes and recommending enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Contractual Benefits (pro rata)

• 25 days annual leave
• Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution
• Life Assurance – 5 x final salary
• Shopping discounts and Medicash

Non Contractual Benefits

• Travel season ticket loan scheme available
• Cycle to work scheme available
• Bring your dog to work
• 1 x additional day off for your birthday
• 1 x annual charity day off per annum
• 1 x wellbeing hour off each week

Team structure

• 1 x Finance Director
• 4 x Legal Cashier
• 3 x Accounts Assistants
• 1 x Credit Controller

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance

Industries

• Law Practice and Legal Services