The Vacancy

Fieldfisher is a European law firm with market-leading practices in technology, financial services, energy & natural resources, and life sciences. With offices across Europe, China, and the US, we are known for our collaborative culture, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for financial control, partnership accounting, and operational finance delivery , with a focus on enhancing reporting, systems, and overall finance performance across a multi-location environment. You will lead the Financial Controller, Group Accounting, Finance Projects, and wider operational finance teams, with the core function primarily based in Belfast and senior leadership in London.

Key Requirement

This role sits within a law firm partnership structure and requires prior experience in legal finance or partnership-based professional services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead operational finance and financial control across the firm
• Oversee monthly management accounts, statutory reporting and audit
• Manage partnership accounting (partner capital, drawings, current accounts)
• Partner with client accounts / cashiering teams
• Drive improvements in reporting, systems and processes (Dynamics / Power BI)
• Lead finance teams across London and Belfast
• Provide insight and support to the CFO, Partners and senior stakeholders

Requirements:

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Experience at Finance Director / Head of Finance level within a law firm or LLP
• Strong expertise in:
  • legal finance operations
  • partnership accounting
  • financial control and reporting
• Experience improving finance systems, reporting and processes
• Strong leadership across multi-location teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Who are we looking for?

• We don't have a type. We believe our differences are our strengths; varied cultures, approaches and experiences can only benefit us.

What do we offer?

• You can be yourself: It takes everyone to make us who we are. We're a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH?: We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60:40 rule.
• Beyond salary: We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit: Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.
• Come for the WOW views: Riverbank House is in the City, just next to London Bridge with stunning views of The Shard and Tower Bridge. It's a short walk from Monument/Bank.
• Nurturing your talent: Take a 'build a career' approach to your training. You'll be on a pathway but free to wander if you see something you'd like to study more closely.
• Funnel your interests: You have a life outside work, and we can help it to flourish. Join clubs, affinity networks, inclusive events, and pro bono/charity initiatives.

Inclusion is not exclusive:

If all our differences are highlighted, no one stands out for being different. At Fieldfisher, all our rich diversity is celebrated.

We will provide the equipment to allow you to shine at the interview and beyond. Just let us know what you need.

For accessibility information on our London office, visit: Accessing Fieldfisher London ¦ Fieldfisher ¦ Fieldfisher

What to do next:

• Click 'Apply Now', complete an online application and upload a CV.
• Successful applications will be invited to a 20-30-minute introductory call with a recruiter.
• Every role recruits differently. But we'll always let you know what to expect from the process, so you get no surprises.
• For hybrid opportunities, you'll be invited to visit our offices for a face-to-face meeting.
• We try to make sure the process takes around 2-3 weeks only, but we can't always promise that. We will work around everyone's availability. You can contact us at Anita.Magorrian@fieldfisher.com.

We recruit on a rolling basis. Your application may be reviewed before the application deadline. We accept applications until we have filled the role.

The Firm

We are not a UK firm with offices in Europe. We are a European law firm at our core. While our HQ is London, we are spreading across Europe at pace. In addition to UK, China and Silicon Valley we have offices in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

With 1,800 people across 28 offices across 14 countries you might expect an impersonal office culture, but you will find a homely, family feel even in the largest offices.

Quality on both sides
Across all our offices and jurisdictions are market-leading practices in corporate/M&A, finance, real estate, energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences.

We count as clients large corporations including major technology firms, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, energy suppliers, infrastructure companies, global banks and financial institutions.

We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff. Applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Health insurance

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Season ticket loans

Bike to work loans

Testimonial

Charlotte Round - Finance Partner, Manchester

"It is great being in a firm which "gets" cross-office working - to feel properly part of a national team and to work with colleagues in other specialisms who are unconstrained by geography."

Richard Dwight - DMS Team Leader at Fieldfisher

"I consider Fieldfisher to be a progressive firm with an understanding of social values. I'm pleased that staff is able to have input in the firm's direction and purpose as well as help to shape wider society. I'm encouraged to perform by being able to develop in a natural way, whilst being supported at every step.

Fieldfisher has managed to nurture a really positive and friendly culture. If they have drive and ambition, I would encourage anybody looking for a role here to grab the opportunity."

Rebecca Reardon - Executive Assistant

"Since joining Fieldfisher in 2016, I have progressed from an entry-level secretarial role to an experienced executive assistant. This was made possible by a supportive and inclusive working environment that allows staff to progress at a pace that is best suited to them which in turn makes for well-rounded, home-grown talent.

The firm strikes a great balance between providing the foundations for success and autonomy of your own growth and development. An insight I would give to potential applicants is that Fieldfisher offers the opportunity for a career and a sense of belonging to a community and not just a job."