Finance Manager / Accounts Manager - Essex

Our client, a prominent law firm operating in Essex, is seeking an experienced Accounts Manager to join their dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for an accounts professional to play a crucial role in the firm's continued growth.

Position Overview
Working closely with the Finance Director you will play an active role in the day to day running of the accounts department, where you will be responsible for monitoring and analysing accounting data and producing monthly and annual management accounts. This role is essential in ensuring the smooth operation of the firm's financial activities and maintaining compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules (SAR).

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the legal Accounts Team's daily operations
• Monitor and analyse accounting data, producing financial reports
• Control and reconcile deposit accounts, check bills, and allocate numbers
• Process payments using Barclays.net and handle incoming CHAPS payments
• Reconcile client and office accounts, calculate interest and manage ledgers
• Liaise with Accountants on SAR Audit and Management Accounts
• Prepare monthly management reports and fee-earner information packs
• Manage team workloads, ensure compliance, and provide training
• Collaborate on budgets, cashflow forecasting, and bonus calculations
• Prepare information for outsourced payroll

Qualifications

• Qualified or part qualified ACCA, CIMA or AAT
• ILFM desirable but not essential
• Previous experience in a similar role within the legal or financial services sector
• Understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules (SAR) advantageous but not essential
• Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and be proactive

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Parking
• Mediplan
• Hybrid working

This is an excellent time to join a growing legal practice with exciting plans over the next 24 months. You will be joining a very settled, cohesive and supportive accounts team and it is hoped that this newly created role will complement the existing team. Applications are welcome from both the legal sector and financial services.