Head / Director of Finance, Hong Kong | Int'l Law Firm | HKG

Head of Finance / Diretor of Finance role | International Law Firm | Hong Kong 

Our client is a fast-scaling, hi-tech-focused, international law firm seeking to expand its footprint in Asia. As part of their ambitious growth strategy in Hong Kong, Star Anise Legal has been mandated to seek a highly motivated and experienced law firm Head or Director of Finance to establish and transform its client's local accounting and finance function. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial infrastructure of a dynamic and rapidly expanding business.

Overview

The Head of Finance will be responsible for setting up and managing the finance function in Hong Kong, ensuring the firm has the financial infrastructure, processes, and controls in place to support aggressive growth. This is a hands-on and initially lean role that requires a proactive, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking individual who can balance day-to-day operational responsibilities with strategic planning.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified chartered accountant with a strong background in law firm finance, capable of managing a high volume of diverse duties while maintaining a focus on the firms long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and Transform the Hong Kong Offices Finance Function: Design and implement robust financial systems, processes, and controls to support the firms operations and growth in Hong Kong.
• Financial Reporting: Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, management reports, and regulatory filings.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and provide ongoing financial forecasting to support strategic decision-making.
• Cash Flow Management: Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure the firms liquidity and financial stability.
• Compliance: work with the firms Compliance Manager to ensure compliance with local accounting standards, tax regulations, and other legal requirements.
• Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, global finance teams, and external advisors.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team as the function grows.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute financial strategies that align with the firms growth objectives.
• Process Improvement: Continuously identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Ad Hoc Projects: Support the firm with ad hoc financial projects, including mergers, acquisitions, and office expansions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant accounting and finance experience, with a strong background in law firm finance.
• Proven experience in setting up or transforming, and managing finance functions in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• In-depth knowledge of Hong Kong accounting standards, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong technical accounting skills and proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
• Excellent stakeholder management with the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Forward-thinking and strategic, with a track record of implementing scalable financial infrastructure.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, and willing to roll up your sleeves to get the job done.
• Experience of integrating and handling legal practice management software with accounting software a distinct bonus, as is use of Sage or Quickbooks in addition to use of Enterprise Accounting & Finance Software. 

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong leadership, collaborative, and team-building capabilities.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

On offer

• The opportunity to play a key role in the growth of a leading international law firm and to orchestrate your own career path as the firm gains its footprint in the region.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Competitive compensation package, including performance-based incentives.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

How to Apply

If you are a qualified chartered accountant with a strong law firm background in Hong Kong and a passion for building and scaling finance functions, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to via our jobs portal on the link below.