Management Accountant

Boodle Hatfield has been providing practical advice to businesses and individuals for 300 years. Our clients come from a wide range of sectors, both in the UK and internationally, and include some of the most well-established owner-managed businesses and property companies as well as fast-growing entrepreneurial enterprises and ultra-high net worth families. Our chief priority is helping our clients achieve their commercial objectives, whatever form their business takes.

Our approach is to become the long-term trusted adviser to leading wealth creators and owners as well as their commercial and investment enterprises. Having a holistic view of our clients' structures and affairs means we can leverage this to provide the most appropriate and commercial advice to them. This approach has enabled us, throughout our 300-year history, to help our clients successfully navigate the continually changing and sometimes challenging markets in which they operate.

With a history like ours, we know we are built to last. But this isn’t the time to rest on our laurels but instead a chance to reflect and build on our heritage. We are merely today’s custodians of the Boodle Hatfield name, and we want to create a legacy that our successors will be just as proud of.

To commemorate our 300 year anniversary, last year we rolled out an extensive programme of activities, each of which sowed the seeds for the future success of others – our local neighbourhoods, the wider legal profession, and of course our valued clients and our own team.

The finance team consists of 9 members who cover the full range of firm and client accounts between them. Together they ensure that effective systems are in place for time recording, billing, client accounting, purchase ledger and cash management so that accurate and reliable information can be produced and the firm remains compliant with SRA and SAR rules.  They are responsible for providing a high quality service to the firm and when dealing with clients or intermediaries.

Reporting into the Financial Controller, the Management Accountant will be joining a welcoming team which is led by a highly supportive Finance Director. The successful candidate will be looking for a role in which they can manage their own workload and working closely with senior members of the team, will build relationships with internal clients and external suppliers.

The primary responsibility for this role will be to support the financial management of our law firm by preparing, analysing, and reporting on management accounting information, providing timely and accurate financial insights to assist the Financial Controller and Finance Director in strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Reporting and Analysis:
   • Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements, budgets, and cash flow reports.  This will include commentary in relation to the results, setting lock up targets and fee targets and reviewing performance on a departmental basis
   • Conduct variance analysis and provide commentary on financial performance
   • Calculation of provisions on a monthly basis in relation to WIP and debt and other balance sheet reconciliation
   • Assist with audit queries particularly year end WIP valuation and debt provisioning
   • Assist in the production of monthly balance sheet reports for internal and external stakeholders
   • Provision of information in relation to fee earner and partner performance as part of the annual appraisal process
   • Assist with the production of the firm's statutory accounts

1. Budgeting and Forecasting:
   • Contribute to the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting
   • Provide financial information to budget holders as required
   • Analysis of business performance and advise on strategies to improve profitability
   • Cashflow planning

1. Cost Management:
   • Assist in identifying and implementing cost-saving measures across the firm
   • Manage capital expenditure and review operational costs

1. Compliance and Controls:
   • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal control procedures
   • Regular/ad hoc review of firm's P&L and general ledger to ensure accurate and timely reporting of costs and tax treatments
   • Assist in VAT calculations and submissions

1. Team Collaboration:
   • Work closely with other departments to provide financial insights
   • Assist in supervision as required of the Finance Team in conjunction with the Financial Controller and Finance Director

1. Process Improvement:
   • Review and enhance financial processes to increase efficiency
   • Assist in the implementation and maintenance of financial management systems

1. Additional responsibilities
   • There will be on going involvement in project work including an annual review of charge out rates
   • Assist with annual reconciliation of partner tax and current accounts
   • Provision of information in relation to quarterly and annual surveys

1. Required Qualifications and Skills:
   • Recently qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
   • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
   • Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal
   • Excellent attention to detail
   • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software
   • Experience of 3E is desirable
   • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
   • Extensive awareness of legal finance in a law firm including a strong working knowledge of SARs and AML

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified accountant to apply their skills in a dynamic legal environment, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the firm's financial success

Boodle Hatfield is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment through its inclusive and supportive environment. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the Firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.  We are fully committed to a working environment in which all people can excel.