Job Description

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Description

Join our Practice Management team to help grow our commercial finance function and drive profitable, sustainable income. You'll work closely with lawyers and business teams, applying commercial thinking in a pragmatic, creative, and collaborative way.

You'll have a background in commercial finance, FP&A, budgeting, or broader finance -- ideally from a law firm or similar professional services setting. Pricing experience is a bonus but not essential, with full training provided. This role offers varied, intellectually stimulating work with strong development opportunities.

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Key Responsibilities

Collaborating with colleagues across Commercial Finance, Finance, Business Development, and Marketing, you will:



Data Analysis & ModellingExtract, analyse, and model financial data across clients, matters, and portfolios. Provide actionable insights to support financial decision-making and client relationship growth.
PricingDraft pricing proposals and estimates for smaller matters. Support pricing on larger projects, ensuring working capital considerations are addressed. Maintain and improve pricing tools and templates, collaborating with lawyers to encourage best practice.
Rates Management & Alternative Fee ArrangementsSet up and maintain charge and cost rates within the practice management system. Support the annual rates review process and manage communications and tracking. Assist in preparing proposals and reviews for alternative fee arrangements and retainers.
Matter Management SupportPromote the use of budgeting and reporting tools for matter management. Deliver bespoke WIP (work-in-progress) reporting on complex matters. Share insights to identify and drive process improvements across the practice.


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About You

Key experienceYou have at least two years' experience in commercial finance, FP&A, budgeting, or broader finance, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment. You are confident in analysing data to spot trends, build compelling narratives, and guide better decision-making. You have strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise competing demands. You communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across functions and seniority levels. You bring an agile, flexible mindset with a proactive, pragmatic approach to challenges. You are comfortable questioning assumptions and contributing innovative ideas. You are proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel (including formulas, lookups, pivot tables).
It would be great if you also have:A basic grounding in SQL. Experience with Power BI or similar analytics tools. A basic understanding of legal pricing models, including AFAs. CIMA or ACCA part-qualification (or working towards).


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Why Join Us?

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 Programme, 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 green 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.###

About Bates Wells

At Bates Wells, we're not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.