Director of Finance & Accounting in London - Ambition Europe Limited

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Director of Finance and Accounting to lead the finance function of a major international law firm. This role is ideal for a senior finance leader who thrives in a dynamic, partnership-driven environment and is passionate about driving operational excellence, strategic insight, and high-performing teams.

About the Role

• Lead the London Finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation.
• Act as a strategic advisor and business partner to senior leadership, contributing to the development and execution of the London office's strategy.
• Oversee all local financial operations, ensuring alignment with global finance standards, policies, and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, leveraging best practice and technology.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and financial reporting activities.
• Provide financial modelling, scenario analysis, and commercial insights to support business decisions.
• Ensure strong financial hygiene, including time recording, billing, collections, and lock-up management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of finance professionals.

• Optimise resource allocation and ensure the team is equipped to deliver high-quality support.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and accountability.
• Review and streamline finance workflows.
• Champion automation, standardisation, and process efficiency.
• Support the rollout of new finance technologies.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Monitor office profitability, performance trends, and key financial metrics.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and internal controls.
• Advise senior leadership on financial matters, business planning, and growth initiatives.
• Provide commercial insight on utilisation, realisation, and profitability.
• Evaluate investment proposals and business opportunities.
• Lead the annual budget and quarterly forecast processes.
• Set and track key performance indicators.
• Provide ongoing analysis and recommendations to leadership and the finance team.
• Drive performance in billing, collections, WIP management, and cash flow.
• Ensure adherence to time recording guidelines.
• Identify improvements to financial operations across regional offices.

About You

Technical Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related discipline, plus ACA/ACCA qualification.
• Extensive experience in finance leadership roles within a law firm.
• Strong ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
• Proven track record of improving operational efficiency and financial performance.
• Strong project management and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency with MS Office tools.

Personal Qualities

You will be a high-integrity, commercially focused leader who demonstrates:

• Strong judgement, analytical thinking, and the ability to simplify complexity.
• Resilience, diligence, and a client-centric mindset.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Discretion, professionalism, and care for colleagues.

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