Senior Finance Operations Manager - Jersey

Purpose of the job 

Working as part of our central Finance team, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance operations of the firm, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. 

 Leading and developing a team of finance administrators, the role will focus on delivering efficient end to end financial processes, driving continuous improvements and financial performance levels. 

 The successful candidate will be a key point of contact between the Finance team and other departments, ensuring a smooth financial operation that supports the firm’s overall objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of finance administrators, providing guidance, training, and support.
• Ensure workload is effectively allocated across the team to maintain efficiency and accuracy in all finance operations.
• Conduct performance reviews, set objectives, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Finance Operations and Compliance 

• Oversee daily finance operations, including billing, credit control, cashiering, bank reconciliations, accounts payable, client payments, staff expenses and other financial processes and investigations.
• Manage month end finance operations processes for all Bedell Cristin in house entities, including bank reconciliation reviews.
• Manage client accounting processes, ensuring funds are handled correctly and reconciliations are completed in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the firm's Financial Controller and Management Accountant to monitor cash flow and ensure that the firm has sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations.
• Ensure compliance with local law society regulations, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, and other relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures, ensuring active monitoring and enforcement of those controls.
• Manage the banking relationships, including maintenance of bank mandates, online platforms and opening of new accounts.

 
Process Improvement and Stakeholder Management
       

• Work closely with fee earners, partners, and other departments to resolve finance-related queries and ensure smooth financial operations.
• Assist in financial investigations and the successful delivery of audits for all Bedell Cristin in house entities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of findings.
• Support the development and enforcement of finance policies.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) 

Knowledge/skills/experience

• Experience in a senior finance operations role, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with a proven ability to develop and motivate a team.
• Experience in process improvement initiatives and implementing financial controls.
• In-depth knowledge of legal finance operations, including local law society accounts rules, client accounting, probate administration and regulatory compliance.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail.
• Experience with financial systems and legal practice management software (preferably Aderant).
• Strong IT skills in Microsoft applications, particularly Excel, with an eye for detail and diligence to ensure accuracy of system, process and output

Competencies

We would like you to have:

• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills at all levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving approach 
• Ability to manage demanding priorities and deadlines
• Strong organisational skills and a meticulous attention to detail
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, in particular Excel

In this role you will be expected to:

• Behave in a manner in keeping with our core culture and values.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations including those around anti-money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Commit to fulfilling any personal CPD requirements and continually developing your skills and knowledge.