Finance Manager

DWF

Responsibilities

• Working Capital Management: Monitor cash flow and working capital closely, including overseeing WIP (Work-in-Progress) and accounts receivable. Implement effective strategies to optimize cash flow and liquidity, and enforce cost control measures where necessary
• Billing & Collections: Work closely with the UK Billing team to drive the end-to-end client billing process to ensure invoices are issued promptly and accurately. Drive cash collection and credit control efforts by following up on overdue invoices and resolving client billing issues in a timely manner
• Where necessary deal with the allocation of cash and the production of invoices on the core finance system. This will more regularly be done due to the time differences in the jurisdictions, as opposed to the core function of the role.
• Lead regular WIP and debtor review meetings with the local and central teams to track unbilled work and aged receivables, taking action to expedite billing and collections. Maintaining a proactive approach to managing aged debt and WIP is crucial to the firm s financial health.
• Where necessary, develop interim billing schedules for long-running matters to avoid delays in invoicing
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the global and regional finance teams to ensure consistency in financial processes, systems usage, and reporting standards. Act as the point of contact for finance matters in Dubai and Qatar, facilitating effective communication between Dubai, Qatar and the headquarters or other regional offices.
• Act as a business partner and trusted adviser to Partners and other senior stakeholders on matters of billing and collections. Collaborate with Partners and fee earners to address persistent payment issues, providing guidance and support to ensure client billing issues are resolved swiftly.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: In partnership with the UK Working Capital Lead team, champion the budgeting and forecasting processes for the Dubai and Qatar office, working closely with department heads and practice groups to develop realistic budgets and financial projections. Continuously monitor performance against these budgets and forecasts, and provide analysis and recommendations for any required adjustments.
• Provide local guidance and day-to-day support for the UK Billing Team, fostering a proactive and results-driven culture between the regions.
• Ensure that the firm s procedures for invoice issuance, delivery, and follow-up are efficient and uniformly followed across all departments.
• Continuous Improvement & Best Practices: Stay up-to-date with best practices in law firm working capital management and drive continuous improvement in the firm s processes.