Finance Operations Manager

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We have an exciting new opportunity for an experienced manager to join the team at our Nottingham office. Working closely with the Financial Controller this role is essential to setting and delivering monthly targets across finance operations.

Potter Clarkson LLP is one of the leading pan-European Intellectual Property law firms, with seven offices across the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

We offer clients a full IP service to support them in achieving their commercial objectives. We pride ourselves in the exceptional level of client care offered by our approachable and engaged team.

We have over 90 patent and trade mark professionals and 10 IP solicitors, who are expertly assisted by over 130 support staff and state of the art IT infrastructure.

The firm is consistently ranked in the top tier of major legal guides, such as Legal 500 and MIP. We also hold three independent ISO accreditations which evidence our high level of environmental awareness, service provision and information security.

We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, and supporting the wellbeing of all our people. We offer a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits and resources including healthcare, attractive flexible working options, sports and social groups, virtual mindfulness sessions, a virtual wellbeing hub, mental health first aiders, and a busy social calendar.

THE ROLE

As the main point of contact the role will be integral in developing strong relationships and influencing change across all levels in order to introduce best practice. This includes reviewing and streamlining processes and encouraging excellent customer service to the fee earners and wider business.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

• To manage the finance operations team and drive efficiency by maximising the use of systems where possible. This involves management of 3 direct reports and overall responsibility of a team of 16.
• To manage the needs of the business by aligning resource where needed, ensuring continuity of service particularly at busy periods or during absences.
• Ownership of monthly targets and efficiency measures for each team, alongside the Financial Controller. To take corrective action as necessary.
• To work with team leaders to ensure delivery of a consistent and quality service and appropriately deal with issues as they arise.
• To be the point of contact for issues and to investigate areas as required with an appropriate response and corrective action in a timely manner.
• Identify areas for improvement and highlight training needs as necessary. Work with HR and Team Leaders to set SMART objectives across the operations team and measure performance and deliver constructive feedback as necessary.
• Work closely with team leaders and IT to co-ordinate and plan systems updates ensuring adequate testing before delivery into the live environment.
• To deliver excellent customer service and manage business expectations.
• To ensure absences are managed in accordance with the local policy and highlight any areas of concern.
• Work closely with the Financial Controller to ensure timely delivery of month/year end deadlines.
• Support the Head of Finance in delivery of working capital improvements.
• To assist with the year end audit as required.
• To take on ad hoc duties as and when they arise.

Requirements

Technical

• Strong excel skills including pivot table, and good knowledge of Microsoft packages including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience of working within a finance shared services environment (desirable).
• Good understanding of Finance Operations processes and experience of delivering process improvement.
• Good systems knowledge.
• Experience of working within a changing and dynamic finance environment undertaking a broad range of finance tasks and responsibilities.
• Working within a professional services sector is desirable.

Personal

• Excellent time management and organisation skills required. The ability to prioritise work is essential.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence decision making. To be professional at all times and build good working relationships.
• Flexible and adaptable in approach and challenge appropriately where necessary.
• Process driven, organised individual who excels at meeting deadlines when working within a busy team environment.
• Excellent team working ethic to ensure a seamless finance service is provided across the business.
• Use of initiative when problem solving demonstrating a logical and consistent approach.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Travel to other offices may be required.

Benefits

• Salary: competitive based on experience

• 24 days holiday + bank holidays.
• A company pension scheme.
• Healthcare package.
• Life assurance.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Annual corporate social responsibility day.
• Birthday leave.
• Flexible working policy.
• Travel loan scheme.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Purchase of extra holiday scheme.
• Regular company away days & social events.

We are committed to providing a highly supportive, inclusive and stimulating workplace for all our people. Read more about how we're building a more equal, diverse and inclusive culture here