Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.
The Senior Finance Manager leads the London finance function on the ground, serving as the primary local point of contact for partners and as an extension of the firm's US-based finance teams. The role spans accounting, regulatory compliance (SRA), and the full revenue cycle (billing and collections), with involvement in budgeting and planning. Success depends on close, day-to-day collaboration with US counterparts across the finance organization, while providing responsive, partner-facing business support in London.
Key responsibilities
Business partnering
- Act as the trusted local finance advisor to London partners, providing timely analysis and support on financial performance, matter economics, and client/matter management.
- Serve as the on-the-ground extension of the firm's US finance functions, translating firm-wide policies and processes into the London context.
Accounting and controls
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations for the London office, including general ledger integrity, reconciliations, month-end close, and intercompany matters.
- Maintain a strong control environment and coordinate with CAO & US FP&A on consolidated reporting and audit support.
Regulatory compliance
- Ensure compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules.
- Provide oversight over client/matter due diligence processes, monitoring, and escalate as needed to the firms MLRO or COFA.
- Maintain readiness for SRA and related regulatory reporting and reviews.
Revenue Cycle
- Manage the billing and collections process for the London office, partnering with billing attorneys and partners to drive timely billing, minimize WIP and AR aging, and improve realization.
- Monitor and report on revenue metrics and support resolution of client billing queries.
- Contribute to quarterly billing and collection campaigns, in coordination with the CRO and US FP&A.
- Partner with the firm's tax function to ensure billing and revenue processes support VAT compliance, including correct treatment of UK and cross-border client billing, disbursements, and recoverable expenses, and coordinate on VAT reporting to HMRC.
Planning and analysis
- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for the London office in coordination with the CFO and US FP&A.
- Provide variance analysis and business insight to support local and firm-wide decision-making.
Team leadership
- Manage, develop, and mentor a team of 3–4 finance professionals, setting priorities and building capability.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in a management role within a finance function.
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent).
- Significant experience in finance, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
- Working knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules as they apply to law firms.
- Experience across accounting, revenue/billing, and compliance; exposure to budgeting and planning preferred.
- Demonstrated success managing a team and partnering with senior stakeholders.
- Strong collaborator comfortable operating within a cross-border structure and working across time zones with US-based counterparts.
- Excellent communication skills and sound judgment in a partner-facing role.
We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package. Visit our website here. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati London, England Office
Eden House 8 Spital Square, London, United Kingdom, E1 6DU
