Finance Manager

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the KSA Finance function, ensuring operational effectiveness and adherence to global policies.
• Oversee the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and preparation of monthly management accounts, statutory financial statements, and local/group reporting.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting, providing analysis on performance, profitability, and target achievement.
• Advise the Managing Partner and leadership on business planning, investment decisions, and strategic initiatives.
• Support partners with proposals, pricing, and financial management of client matters to enhance profitability.
• Oversee billing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processes, ensuring timely and accurate invoicing, payments, and cash allocation.
• Ensure invoice compliance with firm policies, fee arrangements, client guidelines, and e-billing requirements.
• Manage working capital by reviewing work in progress, billing, debt, and lock-up with partners, driving collections.
• Prepare WIP and billing forecasts, client and matter budgets, and portfolio analysis.
• Manage cash flow, funding requirements, banking relationships, and cash forecasts.
• Coordinate monthly payroll with HR and service providers.
• Maintain effective internal controls, financial system access, and approval procedures, addressing financial risks.
• Manage KSA tax compliance, including VAT, withholding tax, and corporate income tax filings, and liaise with ZATCA.
• Coordinate the annual statutory audit, manage auditor relationships, and ensure timely completion.
• Oversee financial aspects of non-IT suppliers, procurement, lease commitments, and significant expenditure.
• Provide financial analysis for regulatory and compliance submissions, including AML reporting.
• Produce dashboards and management reports covering revenue, profitability, WIP, debt, cash, and matter performance.
• Maintain accurate matter, billing, and financial data in practice management systems.
• Prepare intercompany invoices and process recharges across international offices.
• Act as the main finance liaison between the KSA office and London Finance.
• Support Finance recruitment, development, succession planning, and process improvements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Recognised professional accounting qualification (, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA).
• 5-10 years of relevant experience in a senior finance role within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including IFRS, management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls.
• Practical knowledge of KSA accounting, tax, and statutory reporting requirements (VAT, withholding tax, corporate income tax).
• Experience managing billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, and working capital.
• Experience coordinating external audits and liaising with auditors, tax advisers, banks, and regulatory authorities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in accounting and reporting systems; Aderant Expert and Crystal Reports experience is an advantage.
• Experience working in a multicurrency environment and collaborating with regional or international Finance teams.
• Required Skills
• Strong numerical, analytical, and commercial skills, with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret financial performance, challenge assumptions, and provide clear, practical advice.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advise partners and senior stakeholders.
• High standard of written business Arabic and English.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• Proactive, adaptable, and commercially minded approach to resolve issues and improve processes.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• The Team and Firm
• You will join a collaborative and commercially focused regional Finance team that supports Bird & Bird's operations across the Middle East. The role provides financial insight to support business planning, decision-making, and growth, working closely with the Managing Partner, Head of Group Accounts, and regional Finance team. Bird & Bird is a leading international law firm known for its collegiate global team approach, with over 70% of its work involving cross-firm collaboration.

Application Process

• Candidates meeting the specified requirements are encouraged to apply. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.