Finance Manager

Role Purpose

This hands-on role will give you exposure to every area of Cognia Law, an agile business at the forefront of AI. We are looking for a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong finance track record who wants to broaden their experience in a global business.

You will own accurate, timely financial reporting and insight across the UK and South African entities, and lead the finance team. You will also maintain and develop our pricing models, ensure compliance with our ISO and quality standards, and drive the adoption of AI and automation within finance to support leadership decisions.

Role Responsibilities

Accounting, Controls and Pricing

• Run month-end close, reconciliations, intercompany and fixed assets across UK and SA entities.
• Run annual accounting audits and company secretarial matters, keeping everything current and correct.
• Manage the ISO audit process.
• Apply accounting policies and controls, and help improve them.
• Research and interpret accounting policy and advise team members on how it applies to day-to-day operational questions.
• Act as a first point of contact for finance queries from colleagues and clients, escalating complex issues appropriately.
• Maintain and refine the pricing and financial models that support client engagements and new business.

Reporting & Insight

• Prepare monthly management accounts and leadership reporting packs, with commentary on what is driving the results and what leadership should do about them.
• Support budgeting and forecasting, analyse variances and recommend action.
• Prepare special reports and ad hoc analysis and support cash flow forecasting and expenditure tracking.
• Support the salary and bonus review process with data preparation and analysis.
• Contribute accounting information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews.

AI & Automation

• Find manual, repetitive finance tasks, then redesign and implement them using AI, automation and data tools.
• Pilot AI-assisted workflows (for example, reconciliations, variance commentary and reporting), and check outputs with professional scepticism.
• Share what works with the wider team and champion a data-driven approach.
• Keep your technical and AI skills current through dedicated learning time and professional development.

Leading the Team

• Lead the finance team, setting clear expectations and reviewing the quality of their work.
• Build a culture of accurate and timely delivery across the month-end and reporting cycle.
• Be the point of escalation for the team’s queries.

Role Requirements

• CA(SA) registered with SAICA, with a relevant degree in accounting or finance and a minimum of 2 years of post-articles relevant experience.
• Proven ability to take ownership of a finance function or substantial part of one, and to demonstrably improve how it operates.
• Commercial experience, strong technical accounting skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. This experience should cover pricing, profitability by client or engagement, forecasting, working capital and financial decision support.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, design and implement improvements in finance processes using technology, automation and AI.
• Proven ability to take responsibility for deliverables without requiring close daily supervision.
• Experience supervising and reviewing the work of others.
• Analytical, detail-focused and a clear communicator.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, growing business.

Cognia Law is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and able to contribute meaningfully. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and experience strengthens our teams and enhances the quality of service we provide to our clients. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable consideration, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and be their authentic selves at work. In accordance with our Employment Equity goals, preference may be given to candidates from designated groups.