Three Crowns Overview

Three Crowns is a law firm that was founded in 2014 by specialist international arbitration advocates in the belief that international disputes call for focused advice and advocacy. The firm engages primarily in complex, high-value disputes, and counts among its clients many industry leaders and sovereign States. The firm has grown significantly in each of its offices – Dubai, London, Paris, Madrid, Singapore and Washington, DC – and now comprises over 170 people, including 19 partners. Across jurisdictions, it is regarded as a market leader.

The Role

The role reports to and works in close partnership with the Director of Finance, with responsibility across all areas of the firm’s financial operations. The Financial Controller will collaborate closely with lawyers and other business services teams and will play a highly visible, influential role across the firm.

Responsibilities

The role is broad in scope, with responsibilities varying from day to day and month to month. Key areas of work and responsibility will include:

Leadership and Team Management

·        Lead, manage, and develop a team of five finance professionals.

·        Set clear objectives, provide coaching and feedback, and support professional development.

·        Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and proactivity within the finance function.

Financial Control and Reporting

·      Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis, commentary, and insight for partners and senior management.

·        Oversee the production of annual statutory accounts under applicable Accounting Standards, acting as the primary point of contact for external auditors and advisers.

·        Ensure the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial controls.

·        Preparation of partner profit distribution schedules and statements.

·        Maintenance and reconciliation of partner current accounts, capital and tax reserve balances.

·        Oversee payroll in each office location, ensuring that necessary information is obtained and provided within deadlines.

·        Ensure full compliance with Solicitors’ Accounts Rules, tax obligations, and other relevant regulatory requirements.

·        Coordinate compliance reporting and support regulatory audits or inspections as required.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Planning

·        Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with budget holders and senior management.

·        Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, highlighting risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.

·        Monitor and manage cash flow, including short- and medium-term forecasting.

·        Oversee working capital management, including WIP, debtors, lock-up, and billing performance.

·        Manage banking relationships and ensure appropriate treasury controls.

Partner and Decision Support

·        Act as a trusted finance business partner to partners and senior management.

·        Provide analysis and support on partner performance and remuneration inputs.

·        Support strategic initiatives, investment cases, and business planning.

·        Attend and present at Management Team and partner meetings.

Systems, Processes and Projects

·        Key contributor to finance projects, including system implementations and upgrades relating to the practice management system and business intelligence tools.

·        Support initiatives relating to time recording, billing and collection processes.

·        Contribute to projects relating to our ongoing structure and governance review.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

·        Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

·        Significant post-qualification experience in a law firm or professional services environment.

·        Strong understanding of LLP accounting.

·        Experience leading and developing finance teams.

·        Strong Excel skills and experience working with finance and management systems.

·        Excellent attention to detail and analytical ability.

·        Strong organisational skills with a proactive approach and the ability to prioritise effectively.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.

·        Strong stakeholder-management skills.