Finance Manager

At Adams & Adams, we pride ourselves on being an industry leader in Africa, driven by a commitment to client centricity and unparalleled service. We foster an environment of trust, collaboration and personal growth for our people and our community.

Our success is built on attracting and nurturing exceptional talent while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. We are deeply committed to the development and well-being of our people, striving to create an engaging work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. By empowering our team to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the workplace, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible service.

As the strategic engine of our firm, the Finance Department ensures precision, compliance, and profitability across every legal transaction. We are inviting applications from visionary Finance Managers to lead with insight and integrity. Someone who is ready to elevate financial strategy, drive innovation, and lead a team that values impact, excellence, and professional development.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Finance Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency of the firm. The position is responsible for supporting financial strategies and ensuring accurate and continuous improvements across operations.

As a people leader, the Finance Manager leads a team of 8, influencing a high-performance culture built on collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. The role calls for strong leadership to align team efforts with firm wide objectives, optimising resource allocation, and ensuring that financial processes support the evolving needs of our business.

By combining strategic approach with operational discipline, the Finance Manager contributes directly to the firm's long-term sustainability, profitability, and reputation for excellence, in collaboration with practice group leaders, Partners and support staff.

Role Requirements

Key Skills, Knowledge & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strategic thinking combined with a hands-on approach to daily operations.
• Integrity and discretion in handling confidential financial information.
• Technical proficiency in financial systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in finance technology platforms and data analytics tools.
• Deep understanding of legal trust accounting and local tax regulations.
• Familiarity with practice management and accounting software (e.g., Aderant, Elite).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead financial operations and ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Design and improve financial processes and procedures for consistency and transparency.
• Inspire and guide a team of 8 toward achieving finance strategy priorities.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis.
• Develop and analyze profitability reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage accounting operations including payroll, cash management, and ledgers.
• Ensure compliance with tax laws, trust account regulations, and reporting standards.
• Oversee billing and collections to ensure accurate invoicing and revenue tracking.
• Establish and improve internal financial controls and risk mitigation strategies.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Promote digital literacy and finance automation across the firm.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification or CA(SA)/CIMA/ACCA preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years in a financial management role.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services organization is ideal.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal trust accounting and local tax regulations.
• Proficiency with practice management and accounting software (e.g., Aderant or Elite).

Job Specific Competencies

• Decision Making
• Integrative Leadership
• Inclusive Facilitation
• Persuading and Influencing
• Digital Advocacy

Work with a reputable legal practice at Adams & Adams where we are committed to being responsible business, both in our internal management and in the delivery of client services. We aim to make a positive impact on our clients, colleagues, profession, and the local community.