Head of Finance

This isn’t a seat-warming contract. It’s a genuine step into the engine room of a major Sydney law firm — where the numbers matter, the partners are engaged, and the pace doesn’t let up.

We’re looking for a Head of Finance, reporting into CFO, to cover a 9-month maternity leave contract (through to end of March 2027) for a large law firm and a decent size finance team. You’ll be the Head of Finance across multiple entities, with numerous stakeholders and a firm that works at pace.

Sydney CBD | Low $200k + Super Salary | Immediate Start | 3 Days Office / 2 Days WFH

What the role looks like

• Whilst there is a decent size finance team below you, you will need to roll your sleeves up and be very hands-on. Working alongside the CFO, everyone is hands-on at the firm
• Two full month-end closes — two P&Ls, two reporting packs, two sets of partner meetings
• Board papers and Finance Committee reporting prepared and presented monthly
• Bank covenant calculations, 3-way forecasting (cash flow, P&L, balance sheet), and detailed cash flow management
• Partner-facing conversations on WIP, billing, debt, and financial performance — across numerous partners
• Managing and driving a team through a high-volume, deadline-heavy environment
• External relationships: banks, statutory accountants, insurance brokers
• Driving the rollout of a new system and progressing process improvement in a currently Excel-heavy operation

What you’ll need

• Senior Financial Controller or Head of Finance background — professional services or partnership environment strongly preferred
• Strong team leadership whilst still being very much hands-on is key
• Technically sharp: P&L reviews, multi-entity balance sheets, covenant management, statutory reporting
• 3-way forecasting and cash flow management in a bank-funded context
• Advanced Excel — you build the model, you own the output
• Stakeholder management at partner or board level — you hold the room
• Insurance structures and broker liaison experience
• Aderant, Affinity, or similar legal/professional services systems (advantageous)
• Comfortable with AI tools for reporting, modelling and presentation prep

What makes this worth your time

• Real scope and senior visibility from day one — you’re not shadowing anyone
• A genuinely supportive team culture with a CFO who’s embedded and across it
• Strong pathway for the right person to make an impression in a well-regarded firm
• Immediate start available

If this is the kind of role you’ve been waiting for, apply now or reach out to Dave Goldbach for a confidential conversation.