Job Description

Description

Why Bates Wells?

We're an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.

Our values are key to our success, and you'll be able to make a real impact from day one.

Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we'll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

The role

The Revenue Controller will join our working capital team within the finance department. This role involves building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to drive working capital performance, deliver monthly and yearly results, and provide top-tier support to partners and fee earners.

Key Responsibilities

Meet partners and fee-earners to review unbilled WIP, disbursements, and outstanding bills; agree actions. Monitor WIP build-up, follow up proactively, escalate to Finance Director when needed. Ensure timely billing and follow-up on unpaid bills, recording in the practice management system. Collaborate with clients and external contacts to confirm invoice payments, resolve queries, and enforce commitments. Provide fee-earners with client file details for legal proceedings; challenge unplanned write-offs constructively. Maintain accurate records of WIP interactions with partners and clients. Review significant client exposures with Working Capital Manager to minimize risk and reduce lock-up. Identify trends to improve recovery and lock-up; report and suggest actions to Heads of Departments and Practice Management. Support Finance team on month-end activities, including time write-offs. Work with Risk & Compliance and Commercial Finance to align engagement terms with working capital goals. Assist with financial administration of matter files (time revaluation, WIP transfers, write-offs, reconciliations, statements). Contribute to Working Capital projects (unsent bill reporting, monthly analysis). Assist annual audit on bad debt provision and WIP valuation. Collaborate with Commercial Finance on pricing, discounts, and client exposure management. Stay updated on regulatory standards (UK VAT, Solicitors Accounts Rules).

About you

Experience managing working capital and improving cash flow through collaboration with partners and fee earners. Proficient in Word and Excel; experience with legal practice management systems and billing processes (VAT knowledge preferred, but not essential). At least 2 years' experience in a similar role (legal or accountancy experience desirable). Strong commercial acumen, excellent analytical skills, and attention to detail. Resilient, highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects. Confident communicator with a passion for client service and relationship-building.

About our Finance team

Our Finance team consists of 9 people covering the finance transactions, reporting and management information functions together with the working capital team. The team works closely with the Commercial Finance team in the wider Practice Management team.

What are we like to work for?

Impact-Driven Purpose:

We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.

Committed to the Climate:

Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.

Championing Inclusion:

We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.

Flexible and Hybrid Working:

Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.

Progressive Benefits:

We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.

At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we're committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.

About Bates Wells

At Bates Wells, we're not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.

Recruitment at Bates Wells - The use of AI

At Bates Wells, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our recruitment processes. We understand the importance of ensuring that our methods align with best practices and respect the privacy and rights of all candidates.

We would like to clarify that we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, sift, score, reject, or approve any recruitment decisions, at any stage of our recruitment process. Our recruitment decisions are made by hiring managers and the HR team, ensuring a personal and thoughtful approach to each candidate.

We do utilise AI technology in a limited capacity to enhance our recruitment process. Specifically, we use Metaview to record and transcribe interviews. This tool helps us maintain accurate records of interviews, to support objective scoring of answers based on evidence and ensures that we can review and reflect on the conversations held during the recruitment process. Importantly, Metaview is not used to evaluate candidates or make any decisions regarding their suitability for a role.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and fairness in our recruitment processes and will continue to review and update our practices to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.