An excellent opportunity has arisen for a finance systems analyst/accountant to join a rapidly growing UK Law Firm in a ‘No2’ position covering a broad mix of reporting support,  troubleshooting and project-based responsibilities.

The practice management system is Aderant Expert and although previous experience of the system is desirable, applicants with knowledge of similar packages (e.g. Elite, 3E) are encouraged to apply as training will be provided where necessary.

The successful applicant will be involved in the planning, development and deployment of new applications and upgrades, proactively working with the business to deliver improved financial reporting capabilities and general systems utilisation. The position works closely with members of the IT and wider finance team, to identify process improvements and to handle day to day maintenance and troubleshooting of the firms finance systems.

Duties include:

• To deliver financial and other information in accordance with client, statutory and internal user requirements; validating reporting output to ensure accuracy and integrity of results


• Working closely with the Commercial Analyst and wider Finance team as required in support of business plans and forecasts, tendering and pricing models


• Ensure daily validation and integrity of data held within the data warehouse application


• Assisting with key system maintenance procedures and month end process


• Assisting with software and upgrades for stability prior to implementation, carrying out testing and training as required


• Assisting with the development of the firms practice management system to meet the user and firm requirements


• Working closely with project managers and the business analyst to drive projects

*Full job description available on request

Person specification:

• Proven experience within a similar role in a professional services business


• Knowledge of Aderant Expert, Elite or similar PMS


• Proficient in the use of Elite, SQL, SSRS (desirable)


• Able to prioritise and multi-task


• Proactive and flexible approach to work

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Revenue Controller to join this large international Law Firm in a WIP management role.

The position covers all aspects of Revenue Control, assigned to a specified group of Partners, managing their work in progress and working with others within the wider finance team to ensure a smooth and efficient working capital process is in operation.

Shortlist applicants will have proven experience within a similar role and will be looking for a fresh challenge within a growing international law firm. 

Duties include:

• Conduct regular meetings with Partners to ascertain when transactions will complete, the levels of fees expected, and the anticipated bill date and requirements - taking any action required to facilitate the billing process.


• Monitor and reduce aged WIP, in line with the lock up day budget.


• Ensure all possible steps are taken to assist the Department in achieving their monthly and annual billing targets.


• Proof read all bills issued, ensuring that all details correspond with Partners' instructions.


• Liaise with Partners and the Revenue Control Supervisors/Revenue Manager with regard to special billing arrangements.


• Maintain constant monitoring of WIP, billing, debt and activity levels, to include arranging and attending meetings with the Departmental Manager to discuss, as and when required.


• Set up and monitor clients who require e-billing.  Ensure correct procedures are followed so that invoices are accepted via e-billing.

 *Full job description available on request

 Person specification: 

• Proven experience within a similar role


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport at all levels


• Highly organised


• Able to prioritise and multi-task

A well known city based Financial Services Group is looking to hire a Financial Reporting Accountant to provide technical accounting assistance to the Group Financial Controller.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Drafting of financial regulatory returns ensuring that all returns are completed accurately, in a timely manner and in accordance with best practice, prior to final review by senior management


• Produce monthly consolidated financial statements as required within the Group structure on timetable and in accordance with best practice


• Ensure that year-end accounting records supporting consolidations are complete prior to audit and provide any additional schedules/assistance to the auditors as agreed in respect of the Group


• Prepare financial reporting requirements for the ultimate parent entity on a timely basis


• Ensure that all technical accounting issues arising within the Group are addressed in a timely manner and liaise with internal/external parties as appropriate

• Analysis for group business projects

Experience & skills required:

• Financial statements production in accordance with UK GAAP


• Experience of a regulated environment and requirement to file FSA returns


• Experience of a group environment


• Newly qualified/part-qualified financial accountant


• Up-to-date technical knowledge of relevant accounting standards and best practice


• Consolidation knowledge


• Advanced spreadsheet skills for detailed analysis and presentation of summary schedules


• Analytical skills as well as an eye for detail.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Legal Biller/Revenue Controller to join a rapidly growing International Law Firm in a varied role, managing WIP and taking primary responsibility for the maintenance of the firm’s special billing rates.

Shortlisted applicants will have a proven background within Billing and Revenue Control within the legal sector, preferably with experience in a multi-currency environment. The successful applicant will hold strong relevant technical and interpersonal skills, and be looking for an opportunity with increased responsibility.

In addition to providing an effective billing and WIP management service, this role is also responsible for the monitoring and maintaining the firms panel and special billing rates, requiring an individual with very strong organisational skills and a high level of accuracy.

Duties include:

• Producing and issuing detailed WIP reports to Partners and Fee Earners in London and international offices.


• Face to face discussions with Partners and Fee Earners in London and telephone conferences with Partners in other offices to discuss billing related matters.


• Reviewing and maintaining existing billing agreements and discussing updates with Partners.


• Maintain the panel agreements liaising with Partners and the Marketing department.


• Upkeep of standard rates and rank levels.


• Facilitating prompt billing and correct WIP valuation. Action responses which will include write offs, transfers, disbursement queries and closing files. Investigating and resolving queries in a timely manner.


• Processing of bills for London and certain other international offices. This will include credit notes, write offs and ad hoc queries.


• Producing and issuing reports on non-chargeable files and processing adjustments.


• Preparing ad-hoc reports for Partners and clients.


• Providing cover for other team members as required

*Full job description available on request

Person specification:

• Proven experience within a similar role


• Good understanding of VAT and SAR rules


• Highly organised with a focus on attention to detail


• Good communicator – able to build trust/rapport at all levels

Our client, a global law firm based in Central London, is looking to recruit an Assistant Legal Cashier to support the Cashiers function to cover for a maternity. 

Reporting to the Head Cashier, the successful candidate will be required to deal with the transactional Cashiering tasks as well as assisting with the processing of disbursements and expenses.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a large international law firm and to gain some experience working on a desirable Legal Finance software package

Duties include:

• Office and Client account bill receipts


• Processing disbursement ledger invoices


• Assisting with reimbursement of staff expenses


• Processing recharge invoices such as taxis, couriers and photocopying


• Assisting with BACS and CHAPS payments


• Helping with some administration tasks such as filing when necessary

*Full job description available on request

Person specification:

• Some previous Legal Finance experience essential


• Pro active team player


• Professional working manner


• Friendly and enthusiastic

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Our client, a specialist mid-sized law firm in Central London, is looking to recruit a Finance Assistant on a temp to perm basis, to provide information on financial issues to the Partnership.

Reporting to the Finance Director, this will be assisting with the preparation of monthly management account schedules and various other ad hoc reporting.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is currently out of work or coming to the end of a contract assignment.

Duties include:

• Assist with preparation of annual accounts schedules e.g. accruals, prepayments


• Assist in preparation of monthly management account schedules


• Assist in preparing annual budget schedules using detailed Excel spreadsheet


• Ad hoc information for management reports


• WIP calculation


• Assistance in meeting report deadlines for Finance Director

*Full job description available on request

Person specification:

• Previous experience in similar role in the Legal sector


• Possesses a ‘can-do’ attitude


• Strong numerical skills and excellent knowledge of Excel


• Available to start work immediately

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Legal Cashier to join a US Law Firm on a 9 month contract, covering a varied role responsible for Client & Office Accounts and Accounts Payable.

Shortlisted applicants will need to have solid experience within a similar role, with up to date knowledge of the SARs and a proven background managing a broad ranging Legal Cashier role.

Duties include:

• Posting client receipts and payments into Elite daily, including batch finalisation and reporting, ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Accounting Rules at all times.


• Reporting or providing Interest calculations due to clients.


• Opening new client bank accounts in line with SAR.


• Preparation of daily bank and cash balances statement for circulation.


• Daily reconciliation of all bank accounts.


• Dealing with BACS, IP, CHAPS and International payments on request.


• Foreign currency posting and reconciliations.


• Responsible for expense reimbursements for all staff and fee earners


• Responsible for the company's credit card


• Providing Accounts Payable cover as required

Person specification:

• Proven experience within a similar role


• Up to date knowledge of the Solicitors Accounts Rules


• Confident and clear interpersonal skills


• Strong organisational skills and able to manage a varied workload

Our client, a growing medium sized law firm with fantastic offices in the city, is looking to recruit a Credit Controller to join their busy Finance team. You will be in charge of controlling the firm’s debtor balances, in line with the firm’s credit control procedures, whilst producing monthly reports and collection statistics to analyse the progress. This is a very good opportunity for someone with a strong Legal Credit Control background who is looking to move into a role with more responsibility.

Duties include:

• Reviewing and controlling the firm’s debtor balances, in line with the firm credit control procedures


• Communicate with Partners and fee earners to minimise debtor balances at all times


• Effective telephone and written communication skills with clients to ensure the most successful result in payment of invoices


• Commentating on reports on all debtors over two months old and providing analysis on progress


• Meeting with Head of Finance and Managing Partner on a monthly basis to discuss collection of debtors

*Full job description available on request

Person specification:

• Experienced Credit Controller from the Legal sector


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Good organisation and analytical skills


• Shows commitment, passion and enthusiasm

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Reporting into the Group Finance Director of this NASDAQ listed technology business, this is a rare and highly commercial opportunity not to be missed.

Role purpose:

To support the Finance Director in the provision of financial management services and commercial partnering support to various stakeholders including Managing Director, Regional Heads of APAC and North
America, Head of Product, EMEA Head of Sales, EMEA Head of Marketing and Group Managing Director. Main responsibilities to include
planning, forecasting and financial analysis of sales, billings, revenues and operating expenses.

Essential functions:

• Drives and supports the financial planning process for various businesses/regions, including development and maintenance of forecasting tools, annual budgets and periodic estimates


• Assists management in measuring its performance against strategic and operational goals including development of meaningful, measurable and informative KPIs


• Support month-end process including operating expenses accruals and management of billings/revenue review


• Conducts deep dive analysis of specifically targeted line items


• Ability to create and analyse trends for billings, revenue, expenses and cash flows


• Works with management to reduce the non-value added costs within its operation


• Aligns finance processes and priorities with those of the business, ensuring adaptability to meet their changing needs

Strong commercial acumen and business partnering skills are required together with the ability to link various systems and data sources to draw conclusions on trends, metrics and risk across global teams in multi time zones.

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) or MBA with a solid amount of relevant Financial Analysis experience.

A blue chip and dynamic Leisure PLC is looking to hire a Divisional Finance Manager to cover maternity leave. This is an opportunity to join a highly complex and operationally driven business working with a very talented finance team. There is potential for this to progress beyond the initial contract role.

Principle accountabilities:

• Produce the annual regulatory accounts including Regulated Asset Base adjustments and performance commentary on variances to the regulatory settlement.


• Produce Non Regulated Charges (circa £200m pa) trading statements, including variance analysis to the regulatory settlement.


• Provide analysis to Commercial and Operational directors as required, including consultation with the airline community.


• Partner with the Long Term Business Plan finance team and Economics and Regulation, on the regulatory model and support the engagement/consultation processes with the various communities.


• Understand the key business drivers and financial performance of the regulatory model.


• Coach and support business partners to further increase their understanding of the impact of regulation on business decisions.


• Influence business partners over emerging risks and provide appropriate financial advice


• Identify where performance is not on track and take appropriate action to make recommendations to resolve 

• Experience of financial accountability within a regulated sector is desirable


• Confident in challenging senior management from financial perspective


• Influencing skills/coaching of senior management in financial aspects of regulation


• Sound judgement and problem analysis

The successful candidate will be either a chartered accountant by background with 2-4 years post qualified experience or a CIMA/ACCA with relevant experience in industry.

An excellent opportunity has opened up to join the large Office Cashiering team of a full service International Law Firm in the City. The role involves a broad range of responsibilities, covering Accounts Payable and providing assistance with the accounting for the firms’ overseas offices.

Due to workload and International growth, the team require additional support on a 10 month fixed term contract basis. Shortlisted applicants will have previous legal sector experience within Accounts Payable/Office Cashiering and will have a flexible approach to work in order to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the team. Strong communication skills are required, and previous experience of liaising with overseas offices would be desirable.

Duties include:

• Providing assistance to the Senior Accounts Payable Assistant and providing daily cover for 8 overseas offices


• Processing of payments on behalf of overseas offices as distributed -Cover for weekly supplier payment runs


• Processing of taxi & courier invoices


• Processing of trade invoices as allocated


• Daily cheque run -Cover for Barclaycard and corporate travel account


• Providing cover for other staff as required

Person specification:

• Proven experience within a similar role (Legal sector essential)


• Team player with a flexible approach to work


• Confident and clear interpersonal skills


• Elite systems experience desirable

An excellent development opportunity has arisen for an individual with a background in Purchase Ledger within the legal sector. Whilst initially focussing on the Purchase Ledger function, you will be joining a large Cashiering team that works on a rotation basis, and the successful applicant will receive full training on all aspects of the cashiers function (client and office account). Shortlisted applicants will have previous experience covering similar responsibilities within the legal sector, with experience of using banking systems such as RBS Bankline.

Duties include:

• Processing expense claims


• Drawing office cheques and posting requisitions


• Posting invoices for future payment


• Processing and posting of office CHAPS/SWIFT/BACS payments


• Liaising with the firm's bank in respect of currency transactions and queries


• Ensuring filing is kept up to date -Liaising with the customer services team at the firm's bank


• Inputting transactions onto the RBS Bankline banking system


• Assisting the Client and Office Account Supervisor and/or the Legal Cashiers Manager with any ad hoc duties, as appropriate

Person specification:

• Proven experience within a similar role


• Team player with ability to liaise at all levels of seniority


• Numerate with a strong focus on accuracy


• Legal sector experience highly desirable

Our client, a long established large international law firm based in Central London, is looking to recruit a Financial Systems Project Analyst to join their busy Finance team. This is a great opportunity, focussed purely on financial systems projects, supporting the implementation of current projects whilst initiating new ideas to ultimately increase the efficiency and profitability of the business. Shortlisted applicants will have solid experience working within a financial systems role within the legal sector, with proven project management skills and experience of systems implementations and upgrades. Applicants with Elite or Aderant experience will be considered for this opportunity.

Duties include:

• To support the Head of Business Intelligence in the implementation of financial projects such as rolling out new BI platform, review billing processes, upgrading Whitehill


• To assist the Global Programme Manager with non Finance projects which have an impact on the firm’s financial systems


• Developing systems to monitor chase and enforce internally the credit limits and CFA’s


• Implement Elite Engage or a similar product


• Initiating new ideas and affect change within the business from a finance systems perspective

*Full job description available on request

Key technical skills:

• Advanced experience of Elite Enterprise or Aderant is essential


• Strong knowledge of basic accounting principles


• SQL for data extraction and manipulation


• Experience of reporting tools

Person specification:

• Good communicator with high levels of interpersonal skills


• Ability to analyse and solve problems quickly and efficiently


• Knowledge of project management is preferable


• Demonstrable team player with flexible attitude and approach to work and colleagues

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion and assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Our client, a long established large international law firm based in Central London, is looking to recruit a Financial Systems Analyst to join their busy Finance team. This role is key to facilitating the effective use of systems and technology in the finance department globally, ensuring best use of the Elite PMS system is achieved to meet the needs of the firm. Applicants with Elite or Aderant experience are encouraged to apply. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to take the next step in their career in Legal Finance systems.

Duties include:

• Create, test and deliver financial reports to the firm


• Trouble-shoot systems issues


• Resolve posting queries raised by the accounts department


• Working with the Head of Business Intelligence to ensure that the systems and technology in the accounts function is working effectively


• Working with and directing external suppliers

*Full job description available on request

Key technical skills:

• Experience of Elite Enterprise or Aderant in a systems-based role is essential


• Good understanding of the ARCS system


• The ability to write new and modify existing Whitehill templates


• Good knowledge of accounting principles


• Crystal reporting experience (or equivalent) is essential

Person specification:

• Highly self-motivated and enthusiastic to learn new skills


• Able to work well under pressure


• Hands on attitude


• Ability to analyse and solve problems quickly

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

A recently qualified Finance Analyst is required to join a £200 million turnover division of a media PLC. Based in the West End of London this role will support Finance, Operations, Human Resources and project finance on working capital and strategic overhead analysis with an operational focus across the business.

Key outputs:

• Provide Operations month end overheads review and commentary including strategic overhead analysis for quarterly reforecast and budgets


• Co-ordination and analysis of central overhead reporting providing commercial and financial support for HR, legal, finance, pensions and recharges


• Challenging the business to drive down unnecessary expenditure & other cost reduction initiatives


• Provide commercial and financial support for the Op’s Director and teams


• Sense check and monitor the cash and working capital results from a financial and commercial viewpoint


• Monitor the Capex process, including preparation for Capex Committee Meetings, compilation of Capex forecasts and monitoring of actual spend vs. forecast


• Involvement in preparing financials including cash flows of business cases for operations


• Implement process improvements across relevant areas


• To be responsible for maintaining a tight SOX control process within the business

The successful applicant will hold a related degree together with a post graduate finance qualification (CIMA /ACCA /ACA) with knowledge of SAP & Hyperion being an advantage but not essential. Strong excel is essential as is a solid understanding of financial control & reporting

Our client, a medium-sized law firm based on the outskirts of North London, is looking to recruit a Legal Cashier on a 6-month contract to join their busy Finance team. The successful candidate will provide cashiering support for the firm and assist the Accounts Manager with ad hoc duties.

This is a great role for someone looking to further their career in Legal Finance, at a busy firm with a sterling reputation in the market.

This role may be extended by another 6-months.

Duties include:

• Bank reconciliations for all bank accounts


• Client related staff expenses


• Control of disbursements and petty cash


• Taking credit/debit card transactions and cash payments from clients where needed


• Transferring of funds between Office and Client Account, in accordance to the SAR’s.


• Opening and closing of rent deposit accounts


• Assisting the Billing Cashier when required

*Full job description available on request

Person specification:

• Must have Legal Cashiering experience


• Strong I.T skills, with the ability to learn new accounts packages quickly


• Hard working with strong attention to details

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an individual with either Credit Control or Revenue Control experience (or both) to join a fast growing UK Law Firm in a hybrid role covering all aspects of the Revenue function.

Working within a Revenue team of 9, you will be responsible for the working capital process for an assigned practice area, covering WIP management, billing and collections. The role has a great deal of Partner & Client interaction, and therefore requires an individual with very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport at all levels.

Training will be provided where necessary, but shortlisted applicants will need to have experience within Credit or Revenue Control gained within the legal sector.

Duties include:

• Regular review of aged work in progress and meeting with designated partners to ensure this is effectively managed and department budgets are met


• Working with department heads to gather accurate monthly billing forecasts


• Producing reports and analysis of billable time as/when required to respond to requests from clients for additional information


• Ensuring that all bills submitted for processing comply with all relevant VAT and Solicitor Account Rules


• Taking responsibility for all outstanding debts of assigned business division


• Pro-actively chasing clients by telephone and other means of communication to ensure invoices are promptly settled.


• Keeping in regular contact with Partners and Fee earners to ensure that they are following up on the queries as required.


• Identifying and escalating potential problem debts to Revenue Manager or Assistant Finance Director

Person specification:

• Solid career history within a similar role in the legal sector (Credit or Revenue Control)


• Able to prioritise workload


• Strong organisational skills


• Team player with a proactive approach to work

Our client is a well known blue chip travel company based in Middlesex. With a recent restructure within the Capital & IT department, the business is now looking to hire a Finance Manager.
Role overview:

The purpose of the Finance Manager – Capital, is to support and challenge the finance activities of the Capital & IT within the business whilst providing assurance to the wider finance group on the performance and quality of reporting of these functions
Principal accountabilities

• Act as deputy to Head of Finance – Capital & IT


• Detailed involvement in On-cost reporting project


• Detailed involvement in Programme Controls Project


• Month end reporting for Capital & IT cost centres


• Regular forecast updates and annual budget/business plan process across both Capital & IT functions


• Governance and assurance for projects and programmes within overall programme framework


• Identification of opex impact of Capital & IT projects – supported by use of investment appraisal model


• Actively seeks to understand the key business drivers for client area


• Influences business partners over emerging risks and provides appropriate financial advice


• Proactively explores opportunities for additional financial efficiencies


• Regular monthly financial P&L reviews with cost centre owners


• Identifies where performance is not on track and takes appropriate action, makes recommendations to resolve


• Ensures best business planning practice followed in non operations


• Ensures impact of capital activities captured in business plan

Qualifications and experience

• Sound financial knowledge, fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with at least 3-4 year of post-qualified experience.


• Confident in challenging senior management from financial perspective


• Creative thinking around spending/saving money


• Influencing skills/coaching of senior management in financial matters


• Strong people management skills


• Sound judgement and problem analysis


• Able to see wider context but also ‘deep dive’ into detail where necessary


• Oracle r12 and BPC (SAP reporting module) knowledge would be advantage

A global communications agency best known for live, experiential marketing are looking to hire a new Commercial Manager to support business growth and the acquisition of two new long term contracts.

The role:

• This is a key senior position working closely with and reporting into, the Commercial Director.


• As part of the Commercial Management Team you will be supported by a team of four Project Accountants.

Requirements and responsibilities include:

• Working closely with Directors, Dept Heads, Account Managers and other project staff, to review the preparation of Client project budgets and to advise best practice whilst ensuring maximum project profitability.


• To liaise with Project Accountants with the ongoing financial status of project budgets/actuals, including analyses of project sales invoicing and cashflow.


• Preparation of ad-hoc financial reports and management information


• To monitor work-in-progress reports and to attend regular WIP review meetings with the Commercial Director


• Preparation of monthly Management Accounts/revenue forecasts and to review/comment to the Commercial Director before final submission to Board


• To create, analyse and comment on fee charging structures and to ensure value for money whilst maintaining target revenue levels.


• To ensure that Account Management are made aware of any potential project budget variances and any potential issues that this may cause


• To assist with the commercial requirements associated with New Business activities of the company


• Create and maintain positive working relationship/s with client Purchasing department

Skills / Knowledge

• Sound financial and commercial skills built from previous experience


• Good IT skills are essential. Strong Excel skills - to macro level would be an advantage as would the use of Rebus


• A sound understanding of how the ‘marketing’ industry generate revenue from projects and how this may be adapted for particular clients/projects


• Excellent inter-personal skills and comfortable dealing with clients and senior internal personnel

Our client, a rapidly growing Top 100 UK Law Firm, is recruiting for a Finance Manager to join their south London office in a No2 role within their finance function.

The role covers a broad range of duties, supporting the Head of Finance to ensure the finance function is running efficiently and striving to continuously improve. The successful applicant will manage the day to day operations of the finance department, leading and developing a team of 8. Previous experience within a similar role is essential.

Duties include:

• Managing the finance team, including training and recruitment


• Supporting the Head of Finance and acting as a key point of contact to Partners


• Ensuring compliance with SARs and Money Laundering regulations


• Review and improvement of internal processes to ensure efficiency and compliance


• Production and analysis of management reporting


• Budget preparation and variance analysis


• VAT returns


• Overseeing all aspects of the billing process


• Overseeing the preparation of bank reconciliations


• Acting as reference point for external advisors


• Involvement in various ad hoc projects

Person specification:

• Qualified or QBE Accountant with proven experience in a similar role


• Self motivated and proactive individual


• Team management experience, able to train and develop staff


• Up-to-date knowledge of SARs and AML compliance


• Strong business acumen

Our client, a rapidly growing Top 100 UK Law Firm, is recruiting for a Finance Manager to join their south London office in a No2 role within their finance function.

The role covers a broad range of duties, supporting the Head of Finance to ensure the finance function is running efficiently and striving to continuously improve. The successful applicant will manage the day to day operations of the finance department, leading and developing a team of 8. Previous experience within a similar role is essential.

Duties include:

• Managing the finance team, including training and recruitment


• Supporting the Head of Finance and acting as a key point of contact to PartnersA


• Ensuring compliance with SARs and Money Laundering regulations


• Review and improvement of internal processes to ensure efficiency and compliance


• Production and analysis of management reporting


• Budget preparation and variance analysis


• VAT returns


• Overseeing all aspects of the billing process


• Overseeing the preparation of bank reconciliations


• Acting as reference point for external advisors


• Involvement in various ad hoc projects

Person specification:

• Qualified or QBE Accountant with proven experience in a similar role


• Self motivated and proactive individual


• Team management experience, able to train and develop staff


• Up-to-date knowledge of SARs and AML compliance


• Strong business acumen

Our client, a FTSE 250 global media business agency, is looking for a CIMA/ACCA/ACA (or equivalent qualified Financial Reporting Manager to cover a 9 month maternity period. This global entity continues to expand through acquisition, organic growth and with particular emphasis on digital development and are looking for a commercially focussed candidate to match their business ethos.

The successful candidate will provide support to the Regional Finance Director and CFO, working closely with the commercial finance teams to obtain, analyse and consolidate financial information.
Other duties of the role are:-

• Preparation and consolidation of monthly management accounts packs including analysis and commentary. This includes reporting results into Head Office


• Preparation and consolidation of quarterly forecasts and annual budget packs including analysis and commentary.


• Consolidation of weekly sales reporting, including reporting development and process innovation.


• Responsibility for integration of reporting of new entities both acquired and internally transferred within the Group.


• Provide accurate and robust benchmarking KPI’s across the division. To include research to obtain external KPI’s.


• Responsibility for sales analysis, FSA compliance monitoring and responsibility guidelines and training material.


• Pro-active role reviewing and implementing process improvements in financial reporting

The suitable candidate must have advanced Excel knowledge and experience of using Hyperion Essbase. Experience of using JD Edwards and Business objects would also be an advantage.

A recently founded and privately backed entertainment business in the heart of the West End is looking to hire their first qualified accountant to manage Finance, Planning and Analysis. With a current turnover of £2 million in 6 months of trading and a forecast of £8 million for 2012, this role will evolve quickly into that of Finance Director and will build a team around it.

With existing partnerships with the likes of Warner Brothers and Paramount and an impressive list of blue chip sales channels, this business forecasts growth to £20million by 2014.

Main responsibilities:

• Ensure monthly accounts are reconciled and signed off


• Management of all HMRC and VAT statements


• Management of monthly/quarterly planning, budgeting and forecasting


• Provide P&L analysis, quarterly reports and daily/weekly/monthly sales reports.


• Ensure royalty reports are delivered within an accurate and timely manner


• Review and update current IT and accountancy systems

The ideal candidate will possess an accountancy qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with experience in royalty based accounting principles. Strong systems experience (particularly excel to macro and access) is essential and the ability to work at a ‘hands on’ level with sights on rapid growth.

Supporting the Divisional Managing Director of this £20 million turnover Business Unit, the Finance Director will support and challenge the business whilst managing Financial Control and Reporting. This involves the Financial Planning and Analysis for the business unit including accurate reporting of monthly management accounts, forecasts and budgets together with appropriate statistical and cost analysis.

This role will manage and develop a team of qualified and part qualified accountants and will comply with the wider group function in line with IFRS reporting and Information Technology requirements.

Experience required:
You will be a qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with between 5-8 years relevant post qualification experience in an SME or a division of a blue chip. The ability to manage and lead a team and drive growth is essential as is the ability to provide the ‘interface’ between departments in the business unit and the wider group.

Our client, a global publishing business, is looking to recruit an ACA/ACCA qualified (or equivalent) Project Accountant to join their European finance function. This organisation is a household name and is at the forefront of modern technology, winning numerous awards. This role is a genuine opportunity for a qualified accountant to help spearhead an ongoing transformation project.

The other duties of the role are:-

• Statutory year-end work for various entities within the group


• Actively involved in an upgrade of Oracle Financials including underlying business process reviews and query management


• Development and ownership of existing KPI reporting packs


• Provide detailed analysis of existing processes and current work flows, making recommendations, developing strategy and implementing improvements.


• You will often provide the link between operational finance and the project/ technology teams as well as internal and external stakeholders.


• You will also be proficient in the use of Excel and Oracle/ Hyperion. Experience of working in a publishing business is advantageous but not essential.

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion

Our client is a FTSE 100 Manufacturing business based out of Heathrow, Middlesex. Owing to a re-structure of finance and internal movement, they are looking to hire an experienced Financial and technical accountant to lead group financial reporting with a team of qualified accountants.

The role includes taking a lead and influencing across the finance department (e.g. treasury, tax, capital and management reporting) and broader business teams (e.g. legal, regulatory, commercial). The successful applicant will also liaise with the auditors, senior management and executive members discussing the accounts and preparation framework. The position also involves researching, understanding and articulating technical matters and addressing issues in order to ultimately obtain approval and sign off of all five multiple GAAP groups and circa 100 legal entity financial statements and other Obligor and Regulatory financial information.

Qualifications and experience

• Qualified accountant (first time passes), ideally an experienced "Big 4" ACA with post qualification experience gained in a technical financial reporting role ideally in a FTSE250 or similar organisation.


• A proven track record of delivering in a demanding environment- displaying a proactive approach, positive and flexible attitude, ability to motivate and manage the team in a challenging and changeable environment


• Detailed technical accounting knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP requirements with the ability to identify, research and articulate the issues and requirements and apply to practical situations


• Experience working with multi GAAP statutory consolidation systems with an understanding of developing, embedding and maintaining robust processes and controls in the environment

Our client has over 120 years in the vocational education sector and has grown organically and through acquisition to become a leading and dominant player across Europe. With an active eye on corporate partnerships and business development this business now holds numerous units and require a Head of Commercial Finance to lead and drive financial control of this £120 million turnover business unit based out of the Midlands.

Role purpose
To lead, manage and develop the finance function ensuring a professional and effective support service is provided to the Chief Executive, business units and departments at all times. To provide strategic commercial and financial insight and guidance to the CEO and Executive in support of the business strategy.

Strategic Planning and Development
Contribute to the strategic direction and development of the unit by identifying and/or supporting innovative developments and commercially viable solutions in order to ensure sustainability of current business and develop the strategy and growth potential for the future.

People Management
Ensure the effective management and development of the Finance team in order to maximise performance and the achievement of team goals and individual objectives.

Financial
To manage all financial matters of the unit, including establishing budgets, managing cash, setting internal control systems and producing management accounts in order to ensure full compliance with relevant requirements and rigorous financial performance throughout the unit.

You will have a proven track record in working cross functionally in a large and complex business environment with a significant number of years post qualification experience (ACA/ CIMA /ACCA /ICA) together with a strong commercial mindset and experience in business and strategy development.

A world renowned and much loved publishing business have briefed Balance Recruitment on a Business Analyst role to support the European Controller on month end reporting and decision support. This role will also provide business critical insight to the parent company as well as support the Sales Directors on budgets and forecasts.

• Supervise the provision of relevant, timely and accurate financial and commercial information/analysis for regular divisional and group reporting


• Prepare annual Customer Profitability analysis


• Reconciliation of monthly trade marketing spend with various sales teams


• Support the development of improved forecasting / analysis / general processes.


• Support the European Controller in aspects of their role as required.


• Support the Sales Director in their monthly overheads review, and provide a commentary on material variances.


• Preparation of sales overheads for the quarterly forecast and budget in conjunction with the sales director


• Performing strategic overhead analysis


• Prepare sales reforecast and budgets including agreeing intercompany sales between group companies


• Reconciliation of monthly trade marketing spend with sales team


• Implement process improvements across relevant areas


• Ad Hoc projects

This role would suit either a newly qualified ACA from a top tier practice looking for a step into industry or a qualified accountant ACCA/CIMA with Industry experience looking to progress at a newly qualified level.

Our client is a highly recognisable brand in the Transport & Logistics sector operating across multi-sites within the UK. With a multi-billion pound turnover and a complex reporting structure, the business requires an experienced technical accountant to provide statutory and financial reporting to key stakeholders within the business.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Work with the Group FC – Statutory Accounts and other Financial Accountants to plan and manage the finance team and wider business to produce, review and report, in tight timescales, on five multiple GAAP groups and circa 100 legal entities


• Provide technical financial support within finance and the broader business identifying issues, researching, preparing and presenting technical accounting/issues papers, assessing broader implications and implementing actions in respect of technical accounting or reporting changes


• Provide significant input into the accounts discussion with company board members and stakeholders to ensure timely reviews, query investigation and resolution, approval and signature of statutory and other financial reporting information


• Lead, motivate and undertake detailed reviews of the work of the financial reporting team including preparing detailed reviews of group and entity accounts


• Work alongside the FC with recruitment, management and development of a highly motivated and technically experienced financial reporting team of around 5-7


• Review, develop and implement best practice accounting policy and practices and enhance control processes recommending changes and enabling continuous improvement

The ideal background would be top 4 trained (ACA / ACCA) at a Senior Manager level with solid post qualification experience or someone with significant Financial Reporting experience in Industry. Strong academics and leadership skills are also essential.

Our client, a medium-sized law firm based on the outskirts of North London, is looking to recruit a Legal Cashier to join their busy Finance team. The successful candidate will provide cashiering support for the firm and assist the Accounts Manager with ad hoc duties.

This is a great role for someone looking to further their career in Legal Finance, at a busy firm with a sterling reputation in the market.

Duties include:

• Bank reconciliations for all bank accounts


• Client related staff expenses


• Control of disbursements and petty cash


• Taking credit/debit card transactions and cash payments from clients where needed


• Transferring of funds between Office and Client Account, in accordance to the SAR’s.


• Opening and closing of rent deposit accounts


• Assisting the Billing Cashier when required

*Full job description available on request

Person specification:

• Must have Legal Cashiering experience


• Strong I.T skills, with the ability to learn new accounts packages quickly


• Hard working with strong attention to details

Please note, due to high levels of response to our adverts it is regrettably not possible for Balance Recruitment to respond to every application. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days by one of our consultants, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Balance is pleased to be representing one of the world’s largest beverage companies on a campaign to find them a commercially driven Business Analyst. This role will lead the Planning and Analysis process for their largest division and will suit someone currently in a channel or business analyst role looking for their next move up the chain.

Reporting to the Business Analysis Director the role directly services the analytical needs of the Senior Management Group and manages a small team of business analysts.

Key Deliverables

• Review and challenge commentary on Brands/Customers’ performance liaising with channel analysts and marketing executives.


• Review and monitoring of monthly reporting & qualitative comments ensuring that budgets are adhered to.


• Analyse complex information quickly, draw meaningful conclusions and provide synthetic financial analysis that enables the various departments (Finance, Marketing, Commercial…) to make appropriate business decisions.


• Provide timely and relevant, clear and formalised information (Monthly Management Book, KPIs…) to the Executive Committee, brand Owners and other stakeholders.


• Propose solutions to increase the effectiveness of communication and co-ordination between Finance and Commercial, Marketing Departments (shadowing, induction presentation, internal finance training etc.)


• Review the internal company processes as requested and provide advice on process improvements

The successful applicant will be CIMA/ACCA/ACA Qualified (or equivalent), hold 2-3 years relevant commercial experience from a large and complex retail, FMCG or manufacturing business and be qualified to match their experience. Strong systems skills such as SAP/Oracle together with above average Excel and use of reporting tool’s is also required.

Reporting into the Senior Business Manager of this FTSE 250 publisher the Business Analyst role partners the business to provide commercial and financial support to the division and holds the following key responsibilities:

• Regular in-depth analysis of publishing programmes with emphasis on future content creation.


• Assist in the preparation of the yearly operating plan, subsequent reforecast and longer-term strategic planning for each division


• Report and monitor overhead spend for cost centres with teams.


• Sign off of new title appraisals


• Compile post publication reviews for the divisional teams.


• Attend monthly origination spend meetings and maintain of control of spend.


• Support the Business Managers and the Publishing Directors in the strategic process for the company, starting with the acquisition process/meetings, through rolling forecasts and 3 Year Plans.


• Undertake ad hoc financial projects as required by the Publishing Directors and finance department colleagues.


• Work with the BPO for the PPD Sarbox cycle to ensure controls are maintained and tests carried out as appropriate.

This position would suit a recently qualified accountant with 1-2 years analytical experience in a commercial environment. Experience with SAP / Hyperion is also a benefit as well as a strong desire to develop and progress throughout the business.

This is a great opportunity to get in early, joining a young, growing business where your career prospects and earnings are unrestricted.

In the relatively short period of time in which we have been trading, we have established ourselves as a highly successful, professional recruitment business with an excellent reputation within the Legal, Media, Retail and FMCG sectors. Our consultants all specialise in a specific market sector and are encouraged to be creative in the ways they build their reputation within their client and candidate base.

From the outset we have invested heavily in our infrastructure and technology, maximising consultant’s time to focus on their core activities. We provide consultants with all the support they need to be successful, without hovering over their shoulders and micro-managing them.

We are very active in promoting our business, and have appeared in numerous industry publications, both print and online.

We are currently interested to meet with recruitment consultants with some previous experience, who are looking to work in a professional outfit, where consultants are encouraged to focus on long term success rather than chasing for quick wins and cutting corners. We have ideas on the industry sectors we wish to target, however we are very open to considering consultants who have a specific industry they wish to focus on. Previous accountancy recruitment experience is not required, although would be beneficial. We plan to hire for both permanent and temporary desks in the near future.

The directors of the business have many years recruitment experience behind them and know the London recruitment market well. We know what makes a recruitment career enjoyable, and what doesn’t, and manage our business accordingly. We do not encourage excessive working hours and offer a mature working environment where successful recruiters are rewarded with an extremely generous commission scheme. We regularly hold team social events and operate a dress down policy with suits in the office for any candidate/client meetings.

If interested to hear more, please get in touch.