Job Description

Main information

Term type

Permanent

Reports to

Chief Financial Officer

Team

Finance Department

Location

London

About us

Successful businesses rely on a unique set of

ideas

and

people

. We help our clients protect and develop those vital assets, unlocking

possibilities

for future success.


From iconic brands and leading multinationals to pioneering start-ups, we are proud to work with a huge range of inspiring clients, helping them to turn their ideas into reality and get the best from - and for - their people.


Our people are not only exceptional at what they do, they also enjoy doing it and consistently give their best to a firm they're proud to be part of. This stems from our

firm culture

and our ethos of

bravery and kindness

. That ethos runs through everything we do, from our approach to recruitment, business practices, and DEI activities to the day-to-day environment in our office and our relationships with clients.


With an internationally minded team of more than 700 working across key areas of law - plus strategic partnerships around the world - we've got both the combination and calibre of legal experts it takes to enable our clients' businesses to thrive. Whether it is providing global employment law advice, managing a global IP portfolio or piecing together a multijurisdictional corporate transaction, we are able to have the right people, in the right place, at the right time.

About the team

The Finance Department supports all aspects of the firm's financial requirements from the provision of strategic support through to detailed transactional processing, with a key focus on providing excellent customer service to our internal and external clients. The department is comprised of a central finance team (based in London and Cardiff) plus a London-based operational team covering working capital related activities and cashiering. There is also a local finance team supporting the Hong Kong office.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer the Working Capital Manager role heads up a team of twenty-seven staff based across London, Cardiff and Belfast. The Working Capital Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the firm's billing, e-billing and credit control including the overseas offices. The Working Capital Manager is supported by a Credit Control Manager, a Billing Manager and an E-Billing Manager who have day to day responsibility for managing the teams. This role is heavily project based to drive the firm's aspiration to become a Tech enabled law firm.




Key Responsibilities


Taking responsibility for the firm's Working Capital Management and driving forward initiatives to reduce the firm's lock-up. This will include the end-to-end billing process and credit control process. This is currently a key area of focus in the firm. Ensuring the team establish strong working relationships with all partners through regular review meetings to ensure that focus is maintained on timely billing and debt collection in order to meet agreed targets and billing timetables. Chairing the firm's Finance Committee, which meets monthly to review the firm's exposure, set credit limits for clients, and review any process changes that impact working capital management. Member of the Data Governance Committee, which meets quarterly to review data across the firm concerning compliance and risk implications. Ensuring that regular billing patterns, and where possible monthly billing cycles, are established taking care that any special billing arrangements are observed. Ensuring use of the firm's e-billing hub is maximised and e-billing polices are adhered to. Working with the firm's external debt collection agency to collect problematic debt. Accepting responsibility and taking ownership of operational issues, finding practical solutions and escalating problems where appropriate. This will involve liaison with the finance systems team. Involvement in the firm's quarterly reporting routines, including reporting progress against the firm's strategic objectives and lock-up targets. Setting charge out rates including leading the annual review process and review of historic rates. All aspects of team management, including appraisals, recruitment and encouraging the team to develop within their roles, supported by the Credit Control Manager, Billing Manager and e-billing Manager.





The Working Capital Manager will also be involved in other projects as and when they arise.


Current projects include:


Reviewing the firms billing workflow, this was rolled out to the firm in October 2021 and we have applied a cyclical change review process to ensure that maximum benefits are realised from the new system. E-Billing Hub review and system integration. Establishing alternative billing approaches for non-standard service items. Reviewing rate structures to achieve a consistent approach firm-wide. Enhancing and simplifying reports used for lock-up and broader financial management decisions.





Future Projects will include:


Reviewing the use of Elite's credit control module alongside alternative market solutions to optimise the credit control process. A review of the New Joiner training for Finance across Partners, Fee Earners and Business Services teams.

Additional information

At Lewis Silkin our ethos is simple. We strive to do the best for our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate. We recognise that an inclusive workplace allows for all kinds of ideas and thoughts, a variety of points of view that can trigger discussions or deliver innovative results, and a wide range of versatile skills and expertise. We are proud of the diversity within Lewis Silkin and of our culture that allows people to be themselves at work, ensuring we provide the best possible service to our clients. We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process by supporting anyone who requires adjustments, in order to ensure they have the opportunity to perform at their best. All applicants will be considered equally and fairly. If you'd like to request any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, or would like to discuss flexible working patterns, please email the recruitment team in confidence (recruitment@lewissilkin.com).