Director of Finance – Europe
Location: London (with oversight of European offices)
A leading international law firm is seeking an experienced Director of Finance – Europe to oversee and lead its European finance operations. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility across London and the firm’s European offices, working closely with partners and senior management at both regional and global level.
The successful candidate will play a key role in financial strategy, operational excellence, compliance, and supporting long‑term business planning across the European platform.
The Role
Reporting to the Global CFO and European COO, the Director of Finance will be responsible for all aspects of financial management across the firm’s European offices, including general ledger, accounts payable, treasury (including client trust accounts), revenue control, and financial reporting and planning.
You will lead and develop finance teams, act as a key liaison between Europe and the global finance function, and partner closely with senior stakeholders across the business.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage day‑to‑day finance operations and teams across London and European offices
* Oversee European general ledger and balance sheet management, ensuring timely reconciliations and issue resolution
* Lead European budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with partners and practice leadership
* Deliver monthly financial reporting, analysis, and variance commentary
* Oversee treasury operations, cash flow management, and working capital performance
* Act as COFA, with responsibility for client money procedures, controls, and annual SAR audit
* Oversee billing and revenue control in partnership with the Revenue Manager
* Input into pricing and matter planning decisions
* Ensure compliance with firmwide and local financial policies, controls, and best practices
* Drive process improvement, automation, and efficiency across finance operations
* Lead the implementation and roll‑out of financial systems and applications in Europe
* Liaise with external tax advisers and internal tax teams to support UK, German, and Belgian tax filings
* Provide financial insight and support to European senior management and strategic initiatives
* Support firm‑wide and ad hoc projects as directed by leadership
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience leading finance teams within a law firm or professional services environment
* Strong technical knowledge across accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, billing, and collections
* Experience with partnership accounting and tax strongly preferred
* Track record of senior stakeholder engagement, including partners and executive leadership
* Ability to operate with discretion, autonomy, and sound judgement in a complex environment
* Excellent communication, analytical, and presentation skills
* Strong process‑improvement mindset with experience streamlining and automating workflows
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree (or UK equivalent) in Accounting or a related discipline
* 7+ years’ relevant finance and accounting experience
* Minimum 5 years’ management experience within a law firm or professional services firm
* Extensive experience with Elite 3E or a similar ERP system
Why Apply?
This is a highly visible, influential role offering the opportunity to shape and lead European finance operations within a prestigious international law firm. You’ll work closely with regional and global leadership, influence strategic decision‑making, and play a key role in supporting the firm’s continued growth across Europe.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to all enquiries. If you have not received a response within 72 hours, please assume you have not been shortlisted at this stage, however thank you for taking the time to apply.
Ryder Reid Legal is a recruitment specialist. For over thirty years weve been connecting legal talent with many of the leading law firms in London and internationally. Follow our LinkedIn page for the latest vacancies.
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