Finance Manager

About LawDeb

Law Debenture is an Investment Trust supported by a wholly owned professional services business. LawDeb is an unusual and exciting proposition; on a day–to-day basis we are nimble, ambitious and small enough to know everyone by name, whilst also benefiting from the profile and credibility of a listed business. This is thanks to our 135-year-old FTSE250 investment trust and our fast-growing independent professional services business of over 300 colleagues across 6 business lines.

At LawDeb, doing work that has a positive impact is important to us. We need the very best people to be the custodians of our business for the next stage of our proud history and growth. We’re ambitious to innovate, collaborate and push forward in providing peace of mind and excellence for our clients and each other.

We’re on a journey to shape a culture we’re all proud to be part of. One where everyone feels trusted, supported and empowered to own their success. Working at LawDeb, you will have access to our enviable network of clients and innovative projects, as well as brilliant colleagues to learn from and collaborate with.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Top-10 trained qualified accountant with PQE in industry to join our dynamic Finance team and assume full financial controller responsibility for one of our professional services business.

Main Responsibilities

• Full ownership of Sage Intacct month-end close and related reporting tasks for all entities related to assigned business line
• Actively contribute to the implementation of FloQast through identification and formalisation of key month-end tasks and controls
• Production of timely and accurate monthly Management Accounts for the business line
• Drive enrichment of GL data enabling development of system generated automated reporting
• Critical assessment of existing operational downstream business proposes to recommend and implement best-in-class scalable and robust business processes
• Responsibility for review of core business controls to validate P&L and complete Balance sheet reconciliations and substantiation
• Act as intermediary between the Manchester based SSC and the London based business partners/stakeholders
• Support the Group Financial Controller with IFRS 15 Revenue Accounting review and enhancement of Management Information
• Support the development and implementation of the Group Financial Controls Framework with a focus on the integrity of our processes
• Responsibility for preparation and review of business line entity annual financial statements
• Responsibility for assigned sections of Group reporting at half-year and year-end.
• Ownership of day to day relationship with Big-4 external auditor in completion of subsidiary business line financial statements
• Support annual budgeting process through close business partnership with professional services team.
• Contribute to the development of the Finance team processes to ensure these are cohesive, efficient and effective
• Undertake training and development and engage fully in the performance management process
• Contribute to the Law Deb culture positively, attend meetings as required, and carry out duties willingly and diligently
• Where regulatory rules apply, abide by these in spirit and fact
• Carry out such other tasks as you may be reasonably directed to do by the senior management team from time to time 

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Experience: 

• Minimum 2:1 university degree
• Top 10 Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA preferred), 2+ years PQE
• Industry experience in a Finance role, Professional services experience advantageous
• Experience of managing challenging external ‘Big 4’ audits
• Exceptional attention to detail, numeracy and data manipulation skills
• Strong communication skills
• IT literate. Proficiency with Excel. Knowledge of Sage Intacct beneficial.
• Inquisitive and independent thinker with proactive problem-solving abilities, confident in challenging the status quo
• Takes full ownership for delivery of tasks and “sleeves rolled up” way of working
• Team player
• Able to ask for help and say “no” when needed to ensure expectations of senior stakeholders are not mismanaged
• Resilience, willingness to listen, learn and incorporate feedback
• Diligent, analytical with excellent attention to detail without loss of pace
• Ambitious and growth mindset to take on additional responsibility

Your Reward

• Competitive salary with annual review and performance bonus scheme
• Generous pension contribution
• Full healthcare cover
• Health cash plan
• Life assurance
• Hybrid working after probation 
• Attractive office space

Things To Note

People who thrive at LawDeb make the most of this foundation to grow themselves, help us improve and have fun playing their part in building the culture that’s fuelling our growth.

LawDeb hires people based on personal merit and qualifications regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or any other protected attribute. We celebrate the diversity of our colleagues and provide an inclusive environment so you can bring your true self to work. We recognise that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success.

Here’s the legal bit: please note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.