Financial Controller

Location: Torquay, Devon (Hybrid with on-site presence)

Reports To: Managing Partner

Team: Finance (Approx. 3-5 team members)

Salary: £65-75k

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Financial Controller to join a growing law firm. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional who is ready to take the next step in their career—whether you're an aspiring Head of Finance seeking valuable leadership experience, or an experienced finance leader wanting to contribute to a firm that values growth, collaboration, and putting people first. In this newly created role, you’ll oversee our finance operations, drive process improvements, and provide strategic financial insights to support the firm's continued success. You’ll play a key part in shaping the future of the firm’s finance function, whilst working closely with the management team to support business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance Team: Supervise, develop, and support the accounts team, helping to create a positive and efficient working environment.
• Financial Control: Ensure strong financial control and discipline across all areas of the firm’s financial operations.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly management accounts, including WIP valuations, prepayments, accruals, provisions, and other adjustments, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Process Optimisation: Modernise and streamline financial processes to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on paper-based systems.
• Strategic Financial Support: Provide financial insights and strategic support for funding requirements (e.g., PII, tax), cash flow forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Compliance & Regulation: Stay on top of upcoming changes in SRA regulations, ensuring compliance across all financial operations, particularly with respect to client money and interest payments.
• Ad hoc Projects: Lead key projects such as VAT partial exemption, maximising interest on client funds, and managing the financials for the Firm’s Property Management Company.
• Management Collaboration: Attend management board meetings and provide actionable financial insights to support key decisions across the business.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience in professional services, experience in a legal environment is desirable but not essential
• Strong understanding of WIP, time recording, and cash collection, with the ability to manage lock-up and billing cycles effectively.
• Proven leadership in finance teams, with a track record of process improvement and driving efficiencies.
• Familiarity with Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and experience with Practice Evolve is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with partners, lawyers, and all support teams.
• Ability to balance hands-on financial work with a strategic mindset.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A role where you can make a real impact, driving change and improvement across the business.
• A collaborative, growing firm that values its people and their development.
• The chance to work in a supportive environment, with the flexibility to thrive both professionally and personally.
• Beautiful location in South Devon, with flexibility in working arrangements.