Revenue Controller

The role:

We are looking for a Revenue Controller to join our Finance department.

The role is primarily responsible for the day to day management of the work-in-progress for designated practice groups covering the firms UK offices. This is a proactive role supporting and working alongside other Revenue Controllers in seeking to achieve and maintain an optimum lock-up cycle and act as a focal point for matter partners and matter fee earners within those designated practice groups.

This role will also be responsible for the supervision and development of the billing assistants production and delivery of an efficient and effective bill processing service and ensuring a high-quality service in day to day work. Leading change in approaches to new systems and processes.

The role requires a high level of accuracy strict compliance with VAT legislation and adherence to the firms policies and procedures in relation to billing credit notes time write-offs and transfers and the maintenance of the firms financial data.

In addition this role involves advising the business on acknowledged best practice to obtain the most beneficial commercial deals from our clients and is also responsible for producing and interpreting key management reports. The role will approximately spend 70% focussed on Revenue Control and 30% on bill processing including drafting and engrossment.

What will you do:

Building effective relationships and networks inside and outside of the firm to influence and improve the firms lock-up cycle:

• Establishing strong working relationships with all matter partners through regular monthly review meetings to ensure that focus is maintained on timely billing to meet agreed targets and billing timetables.

• Ensuring that regular billing patterns and where possible monthly billing cycles are established taking care that any special billing arrangements are observed.

• Ensuring that MFEs and MPs return any issued work-in-progress reports and any drafted bills on a timely basis to meet pledged targets and timetable requirements.

• Encouraging MFEs and MPs to adhere to the firms time recording policy which will result in more accurate financial information and potentially a reduced lock up period.

• Accepting responsibility and taking ownership of operational issues finding practical solutions and escalating problems where appropriate.

• Interacting with a wide range of contacts at different levels requiring an awareness of own impact on others and an adjustment of behaviour accordingly.

Applying commercial logic to advise the business on best practice in order to obtain the maximum financial benefit for the firm:

• Providing commercial and legislative advice as appropriate.

• Obtaining relevant feedback to advise on improvements to the processes of the team and actively promoting the finance function.

Providing a quality service and ensuring that the team processes and objectives align with business needs

• Consistently sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.

• Ensuring that all processes are carried out accurately and in a timely manner in line with agreed service levels.

• Adhering to agreed best practices policies and processes whilst adapting to local requirements as necessary.

Preparation of key management reports applying advanced excel functionality as necessary to provide the practice with timely and relevant information:

• Issuing aged WIP debt and draft bill reports to designated practice groups on a weekly basis and meeting with them regularly to plan the achievement of targets.

• In the run in to month ends send daily billing updates to those practice groups to keep them informed of where they are against monthly and year to date budgets.

• Reporting to the Head of UK Finance and London Finance Managers on progress against monthly billing targets.

Using technical expertise to provide detailed input into the accurate valuation of WIP and ensuring compliance with the relevant Customs & Excise legislation the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering regulations:

• Provide and co-ordinate detailed input to the accurate valuation of WIP on a periodic basis.

• Pro-active involvement and co-ordination in the firms audit and taking ownership of the relevant work streams assigned.

• Undertaking monthly reviews of aged WIP balances to identify contingent WIP write-off provision balances and previously pledged billing but not actioned.

• In line with the firms policies and procedures co-ordinate write off thresholds through International Practice group heads and the IEC committee where appropriate.

• Liaising with the cashier team regarding the allocation of receipts and with the billing team regarding billing credit notes and re-issued invoices to confirm the accuracy of the information used in financial analysis and reporting.

• Ensuring that draft bills and engrossed invoices are issued in line with the firms policies and procedures meeting all legislative regulations.

• Ensuring the effective application of special rates and arrangements on all matters and taking measures to diagnose and rectify errors.

• Authorisation of transactions on behalf of the finance department providing corporate governance and financial control.

What we are looking for:

• Excellent academics.

• Commercially driven.

• Experience in a Law firm environment with experience of billing processes.

• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours on occasion as required.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 3. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework which ranges from level 1 to level 7 clearly defines the responsibilities skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons we are proud of our collaborative open and non-hierarchical culture where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one irrespective of job title qualification or background everyones voice is heard and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities you will have a platform to excel exceed your career ambitions and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people regardless of their role and location with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops podcasts short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firms mission and support the delivery of our business plan shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

• Our in-house generative AI tool Percy won the Innovation in Automation and AI Tools category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction employment and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities regardless of race ethnicity religion belief age disability sexual orientation sex gender reassignment gender identity marital status or pregnancy including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces along with their families.

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process please let us know so we can meet your needs.

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you dont meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore if you are interested please submit your application as early as possible.

If youre interested in finding out more about this positionplease contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.