About the role The Finance Systems Manager's role will be to maintain the Firm's finance systems. This role is central to all finance systems project work, ensuring that the finance teams fully utilise the tools available to them to continuously improve processes and reduce the administration burden on lawyers. The role will provide program management, financial reporting and analytical support both within the internal finance teams and to departments as needed, enhancing and developing the systems as required in order to maximise business efficiencies, opportunities as well as building strong relationships with users and stakeholders. Central to the Firm's financial reporting, the Aderant practice management system captures financial data in relation to our clients and the associated matters as well as all of the Firms accounting transactions. This core system interacts with other systems including, but not restricted to, iManage, Microsoft Dynamic dashboards, Liberate Linetime, Intelliworks, Sharedo and the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform. This role will work closely with stakeholders in associated central administration teams and to ensure that the flowthrough of data is appropriate for our evolving business needs. The role will also be involved with targeted projects with legal departments and their knowledge management lawyers and other support areas to ensure that the system is used to its full potential and that processes are tailored to their needs. An upgrade of the core Aderant system is scheduled for summer 25 transitioning the hosting of the system from on premises to the Aderant AWS cloud offering, Sierra. The system manager will be responsible for future roll outs of additional functionality and upgrades. We trust our people to work flexibly in the way that works best for them, their teams and our clients. Our firm is set up to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and mutual respect is shown by all. Key responsibilities Develop a detailed knowledge of how the finance systems operate and interact Continuously appraise existing processes to inform system and procedural development including working with project managers to help deliver greater efficiencies to the business including but not limited to automation of tasks performed manually Maintain and improve the Aderant practice management system, including working with the project managers to ensure that any change requests or enhancements are thoroughly and systematically evaluated; and that any agreed solutions are delivered in a timely effective manner Management of system upgrade processes and for assessing new Aderant product offerings including configuration and the resolution of post go-live issues. Working with the project management team to communicate new or amended processes to internal stakeholders and creating training materials Preparation and maintenance of systems/process documentation, procedures and instructions. Ensure that any issues relating to the operation of our financial systems are promptly identified and resolved and help resolve any complex system requests and queries Manage Aderant user security, access and administration and ensure sufficient system controls exist to comply with SRA, AML and HMRC legislation Management and monitoring of system databases ensuring scheduled tasks are run, manage the month-end system close and balancing procedures, ensuring the integrity of the data is sound, and working with the applications development team to investigate and resolving issues promptly. Supporting the finance department with extraction of data, report design and development. Engaging with supplier client experience and online communities to identify best practice and issues facing users and suggested resolutions. Maintain an up to date knowledge of developments and offerings by providers to ensure that the Firm is well placed and capable to assess and where appropriate to implement additional functionality Your skills and experience This role will require collaboration with the wider finance teams including Cashiers, Billing and Collections team, Accounts Payable team and Management Accounts as well as the Project Management and IT teams and legal teams to ensure that the finance offering we provide to both our internal customers, the lawyers and their support teams and the Firms’ external clients is as efficient as possible. A background in a systems manager role is essential ideally with experience in a law firm or professional services environment. Strong IT skills will be required. The candidate will need to show a proactive attitude, the ability to work independently and the curiosity and desire to improve rather than maintain, the status quo. Knowledge of Aderant, SQL, PowerQuery and PowerBI. Strong excel skills. Organised manner with ability to prioritise workload Motivated and pro-active with a 'can-do' approach Understanding of privacy and confidentiality Strong analytical skills, with the ability to convert complex/raw data into concise and actionable intelligence A proactive hands-on approach with the ability to work co-operatively and flexibly with a varied team of people. Ability to work across different functions A proven track record in delivering projects on time within budget Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths. Become part of the team at Freeths. View some of our recent highlights on our website here. Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.