Bates Wells

Revenue Controller

Bates Wells

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: London • United Kingdom

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About the role

  • Meet partners and fee-earners to review unbilled WIP, disbursements, and outstanding bills; agree actions.
  • Monitor WIP build-up, follow up proactively, escalate to Finance Director when needed.
  • Ensure timely billing and follow-up on unpaid bills, recording in the practice management system.
  • Collaborate with clients and external contacts to confirm invoice payments, resolve queries, and enforce commitments.
  • Provide fee-earners with client file details for legal proceedings; challenge unplanned write-offs constructively.
  • Maintain accurate records of WIP interactions with partners and clients.
  • Review significant client exposures with Working Capital Manager to minimize risk and reduce lock-up.
  • Identify trends to improve recovery and lock-up; report and suggest actions to Heads of Departments and Practice Management.
  • Support Finance team on month-end activities, including time write-offs.
  • Work with Risk & Compliance and Commercial Finance to align engagement terms with working capital goals.
  • Assist with financial administration of matter files (time revaluation, WIP transfers, write-offs, reconciliations, statements).
  • Contribute to Working Capital projects (unsent bill reporting, monthly analysis).
  • Assist annual audit on bad debt provision and WIP valuation.
  • Collaborate with Commercial Finance on pricing, discounts, and client exposure management.
  • Stay updated on regulatory standards (UK VAT, Solicitors Accounts Rules).

Requirements

  • Experience managing working capital and improving cash flow through collaboration with partners and fee earners.
  • Proficient in Word and Excel; experience with legal practice management systems and billing processes (VAT knowledge preferred, but not essential).
  • At least 2 years' experience in a similar role (legal or accountancy experience desirable).
  • Strong commercial acumen, excellent analytical skills, and attention to detail.
  • Resilient, highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects.
  • Confident communicator with a passion for client service and relationship-building.
Benefits
  • **Impact-Driven Purpose:** We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
  • **Committed to the Climate: **Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
  • **Championing Inclusion:** We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
  • **Flexible and Hybrid Working: **Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.****Progressive Benefits: **We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.****At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
working capital managementcash flow improvementbilling processesfinancial administrationtime write-offsWIP transfersreconciliationsVAT knowledgedata analysisclient exposure management
Soft Skills
commercial acumenanalytical skillsattention to detailresilienceorganizational skillsproactivityproject managementcommunicationclient servicerelationship-building