Group Finance Manager

Job Title: Group Financial Manager

Location: Derby, South Shields, or Teesside (with travel to other sites once a month)

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About Us:

Sort Group is a forward-thinking organisation comprising a group of businesses operating within the legal and property sectors. We are dedicated to innovation, compliance, and delivering high-quality services to our clients. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Group Financial Controller to join our team and play a key leadership role within our Finance function.

Role Overview:

As Group Financial Controller, you will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the Accounts Team and overseeing the preparation of group-wide financial reports. Working closely with the Group Managing Director and Group Finance Director, you will play a crucial role in analysing financial data, identifying opportunities for growth, and ensuring ongoing compliance with UK Financial Reporting Standards and the CLC Accounts Code.

This role involves team leadership, financial strategy, and hands-on legal and management accounting duties. You will also mentor and develop team members, including Trainee Legal Cashiers, and support regulatory compliance across the Group.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce accurate monthly and year-end management accounts, including group consolidated accounts.
• Lead on budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure monitoring.
• Provide insightful financial analysis and commentary to support strategic decisions.
• Maintain compliance with financial regulations including UK GAAP, GDPR, AML, and the CLC Handbook.
• Oversee VAT reconciliation, payroll review, OFT returns, and legal accounting operations.
• Monitor and manage client and office accounts in line with the CLC Accounts Code.
• Assist with annual audits and responses to regulatory and compliance queries.
• Conduct regular one-to-ones and implement development plans for the Accounts Team.
• Act as a second-in-command to the Group Finance Director, able to lead in their absence.
• Promote process improvements across the finance function and contribute to business performance.

Skills and Experience Required:

• At least 3 years’ experience within a legal finance team, with proven compliance to regulated codes (e.g. CLC/SRA).
• Qualified accountant (AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Proven experience preparing consolidated group accounts and management reports.
• Knowledge of financial policies, reporting systems, and compliance frameworks.
• Previous experience managing and developing a team.
• Excellent numeracy, attention to detail, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in high-volume transactional environments.
• Naturally inquisitive with a hands-on, proactive approach.
• Flexibility to work from any of the Group's UK offices, with monthly travel between sites.
• Full UK driving licence required