Financial Controller

About Buckles Law.

Buckles Law LLP is an award-winning firm, that provides world-class client experience and services on a comprehensive range of legal services to both businesses and individuals in the UK and internationally.

Delivering effective and cost-efficient legal solutions from our offices based in Cambridge, London, Nottingham, Peterborough, Stamford, Bristol, Swindon, and with international presence in Paris and Milan.

Here at Buckles Law, we recognise that all this is possible due to our team of highly dedicated, enthusiastic professionals across our locations. We pride ourselves on providing a positive work environment where independent thinking and new ideas are actively encouraged and where every member of the team genuinely can make a difference.

Buckles carries the LawNet Mark of Excellence and is Investor in People Gold accredited.

We are excited to be recruiting for an experienced and proactive Financial Controller to join our busy Finance team in Peterborough on a full-time permanent contract.

About the Financial Controller role:

The role of Financial Controller (FC) will primarily be responsible for the Financial Reporting and Control activities in the Buckles business. The FC is a senior member of the Finance team, deputising for the Finance Director when required, and provides decision making and leadership on matters affecting the Financial Control environment.

The ideal candidate will bring a proactive, can-do attitude and thrive in a collaborative team environment. Strong organisational skills and a solutions-focused mindset are essential, along with the ability to manage tasks with precision and efficiency.

A high standard of accuracy is required, as well as the ability to meet deadlines while maintaining strict financial controls and adhering to established office procedures.

The key duties as Financial Controller include:

• Month End closing and reporting: Lead the month end close process and production of the management accounts, ensuring that the results are accurate and produced on a timely basis to meet the needs of the business.
• Financial Control: Maintain the corporate structure and balance sheets of the entities in the group, ensuring that all entities are reconciled regularly and any issues are promptly fixed. Take a lead role in ensuring that the financial controls across the organisation are operating correctly, ensuring that significant financial risks are mitigated without placing an unduly onerous burden on business processes.
• Treasury and Cashflow management: Ensure that the business has visibility of working capital requirements to support both the current level of activity and future plans through effective cashflow and capital forecasting models. Lead on the day-to-day relationships with the banks, including meeting all reporting requirements for bank covenants
• Working Capital Control: Manage the WIP, billing and credit control processes for the firm, ensuring that the value of lock up is minimised through effective management and control.
• Statutory reporting: Own the relationship with the auditors, ensuring that both the annual financial audit and SAR audits are managed effectively with the business and that all deliverables are completed on time. Be the expert on Accounting standards, ensuring that new requirements are identified early, and the implications are communicated well in advance of adoption.
• Taxation: Be the subject matter expert in Buckles on all forms of tax, having the necessary knowledge to either advise, or know when external advice is required in different situations depending on the organisation’s responsibilities.

Skills and experience for the Financial Controller:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA or ACCA preferred)
• Strong technical experience in both accounting and tax (ideally LLP experience)
• Law firm experience and understanding of SAR (preferred)
• Financial modelling
• Experience in leading an audit process
• Highly experienced in cashflow management
• Works well as part of a team and able to coach less experienced finance colleagues,
• Able to work with peers on finance activities which are not directly within the remit of the role

Reward and development:

At Buckles Law, we believe in creating a workplace where our people feel valued, supported, and rewarded. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

• Generous Annual Leave. Enjoy enhanced holiday entitlement plus all UK Bank Holidays — giving you more time to relax and recharge.
• Celebrate Your Birthday. Take a well-deserved break on your birthday (or the closest working day) — it’s on us!
• Festive Time Off. Unwind with additional leave on Christmas Eve (full day) and New Year’s Eve (half day PM), when these fall on a contracted working day.
• Private Healthcare. Access comprehensive Bupa healthcare options for you and your family, ensuring peace of mind when it matters most.
• Healthcare Cashback Plans. Reclaim everyday health expenses like dental, optical, and physiotherapy — completely free for you and your loved ones.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme. We’ll match your contributions up to 5%, helping you build a secure financial future.
• Buy Extra Holiday. Need more time off? Purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave each year.
• Group Life Assurance. Financial protection for your loved ones with life cover worth 4x your annual salary.

We recognise the success of every employee; working with you to ensure you have what you need to maximise your potential and develop your career.

How to apply:

If you meet the criteria for this position and would like to apply, please submit an up-to-date CV demonstrating your skills and experience relevant for the role.

Buckles Law are an equal opportunity and disability-inclusive employer and value diversity across the firm. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or parental or caring status.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the recruitment process. If you would prefer to discuss this confidentially, please email [email protected] and add the job title in the subject line of the email.