Head/Director of Finance

Salary: £55,000 – £70,000 per annum Location: Liverpool Reports to: Managing Partner / CEO Industry: Legal Services OverviewWe are seeking a highly capable and commercially minded Head/Director Finance with a strong background in financial control, forecasting, and operational finance. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with proven experience working within law firms or professional services environments. This role combines strategic oversight with hands on financial control and requires exceptional attention to detail, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to drive financial performance across the business.This opportunity is suitable for candidates seeking either a Head of Finance or Finance Director role, with the final title determined by the level of experience they bring.CEL Solicitors is on a huge growth trajectory with a plan to be the UK’s number one consumer law firm that is renowned, nationally, for legal services and financial complaints.At CEL, we blend the professionalism of a corporate firm with the warmth of a family businessWe offer an unparalleled opportunity to join our unique business. We are different, but in a good wayKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic Financial Leadership Lead the firm’s financial strategy, ensuring strong financial governance and long-term sustainability. Provide expert financial insight to Partners and senior leadership to support decision-making. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning for the firm. Identify opportunities for financial improvement, efficiency, and growth. Financial Control & Reporting Act as a robust Financial Controller, ensuring accurate, timely production of monthly management accounts and year-end financial statements. Maintain strong financial controls, internal processes, and compliance procedures. Manage cashflow, working capital, and treasury functions. Oversee SRA Accounts Rules compliance and coordinate annual audits.Forecasting & Analysis Build and maintain advanced forecasting models in Excel, including revenue, cost, and cashflow projections. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide actionable insight. Deliver variance analysis and recommendations to support strategic planning. Operational Finance Oversee billing, credit control, and financial operations, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. Work closely with department heads to monitor financial performance and profitability. Support pricing strategies, fee-earner performance analysis, and matter-level profitability. Team Leadership Manage and mentor the finance team, providing guidance and developing capabilities. Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Key Skills & ExperienceQualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) – strongly preferred. Experience working within a law firm or other regulated professional services environment. Robust financial controller background with strong technical accounting skills. Advanced Excel skills including financial modelling, pivot tables, and complex formulas. Strong forecasting and analytical capability. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly. Experience managing finance teams and implementing improved processes. Knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules – desirable. Personal Attributes Detail oriented, diligent, and highly organised. Commercially minded with a proactive, problem-solving approach. Able to balance hands-on tasks with strategic leadership responsibilities. Confident working with senior stakeholders in a professional, fast-paced environment. Why work for us? Benefits: Private Health CareEnhanced Sickness EntitlementEnhanced Maternity / Paternity LeaveDeath in Service from day one of employmentBike 2 WorkCompany BarPaid Exam LeavePaid Company PartiesBirthday Day Off25 Days Annual Leave + Bank HolidaysChristmas Closure (on top of your annual leave allowance)Early Finish FridaysWork from Home daysTo all Recruitment Agencies: At CEL Solicitors, agency resumes are strictly prohibited. Do not submit agency resumes or forward them to our job advertisements or CEL Solicitors employees. Be aware that CEL Solicitors will not assume any responsibility for fees incurred due to unsolicited resumes.To ensure a fair and efficient application process, all candidates are kindly requested to submit their applications directly through the advertised platform. We kindly ask that you refrain from reaching out to the company or its employees via email, LinkedIn, or any other communication channels for inquiries or updates. Please note that any attempts to contact us through these channels will not receive a response. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.