Broadfield UK (formerly BDB Pitmans) is a law firm that serves mid-market clients, with deep expertise in multiple practice areas and a strong commitment to client service. As trusted advisors in navigating complexities of law, the Broadfield team is comprised of entrepreneurial experts and leaders who provide legal strategies and solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With offices currently in London, Cambridge, Reading, and Southampton, Broadfield UK has a team of over 420 experts dedicated to building lasting client relationships grounded in trust and integrity. In 2024, Broadfield UK became the founding member firm of Broadfield.
The Team
The Finance Department handles all client and office payments as well as management reporting.
The Opportunity
The key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to the following:
* Significant involvement in the timely production of the monthly MI.
* Monthly and periodic reconciliation of the firm’s balance sheet including: the fixed asset register, control accounts, accruals and prepayments, and partner current and capital accounts. Responding to partners’ queries in relation to their current or capital accounts.
* Preparation of reports to external stakeholders such as the bank, A&M and SHP Legal Service, including monthly MI, covenant conformance certificates, etc.
* Production of detailed monthly overhead variance reports. Perform an analytical review of expense movements month on month and ensure a breakdown of costs by department is maintained to ensure accurate reporting and accountability of budget holders.
* Oversight of Accounts Payable to ensure the correct coding and posting of overheads.
* Maintaining the integrity of data within the accounting software, supporting general bookkeeping activities and correcting errors as they arise.
* Maintain fee earner rates and assist in the process of implementing periodic rate increases.
* Assisting with the ongoing review of WIP and debtors, including conducting detailed reviews at statutory year-ends, taking into account post year-end activity such as write-offs or client payments, to ensure the firm’s lockup is adequately provided against.
* Regular review of the register of residual client balances, maintaining an audit trail of efforts to contact clients, and ensuring such balances are returned to clients or paid to charity as appropriate and on a timely basis.
* Oversee the provision of data to support fee earner and partner promotion rounds or annual performance reviews, including a financial pack including monthly billing data, cash collections, work-in-progress levels, and compliance hygiene metrics.
* Assisting with the provision of schedules and data for the annual LLP statutory audit, collaborating with the auditors during onsite visits and supporting walkthroughs, controls testing, and prompt resolution of queries.
* Assist with the quarterly VAT return process and any HMRC inspections should they arise.
* Support the Finance Director in undertaking periodic reviews of the firm’s accounting policies and procedures to ensure they are fit for purpose.
* Contributing to the development and maintenance of the firmwide financial forecasting model (PL, BS and CF), taking input from key firm stakeholders, and updating it at least quarterly.
* Improving the firm’s understanding of departmental, client, and matter profitability.
* Assist with ad-hoc projects as required.
Who We Are Looking For
Knowledge/Qualifications
* Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA with relevant experience.
Experience
* Experience of working within a law firm desirable but not essential.
* Ideal for a candidate that has trained in audit and is looking to make their first move into industry.
* Up to date knowledge of financial accounting standards, SRA accounting rules, and accounting for LLPs.
* Up to date knowledge of VAT rules, payroll, and taxation.
* Working knowledge of Elite 3E desirable but not essential.
Skills
* Good written and verbal communication skills.
* Visibility is important – the role will not suit someone that wishes to work quietly in the background.
* Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks.
* Task oriented, completer/finisher, strong work ethic.
* Strong IT skills, particularly advanced MS Office, especially Excel.
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Job Specification
* Permanent post on a full-time basis: 9.00am – 5.00pm.
* Location: Reading, with travel to other offices as required, particularly London.
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