Thank you for your interest in the role of Head of Finance at Keating Chambers. For more information and to apply, please email louisa.jackson@lmjaconsulting.co.uk
Keating Chambers is a leading set of commercial barristers’ chambers, with a thriving UK and international practice, comprising 74 barristers (34 King’s Counsel and 40 juniors) and seven international members and honorary associates. Our barristers specialise in providing their services across the areas of construction and engineering; energy and natural resources; infrastructure and utilities; international arbitration; IT and technology; offshore construction and marine engineering; procurement and competition, planning and associated professional negligence.
We are advocates of the High Court, and advance our clients’ cases in the High Court, through to the Court of Appeal, Privy Council and Supreme Court. Keating Chambers’ excellent reputation for advocacy is matched equally by our reputation for drafting and advisory services, at all levels. Barristers at Keating Chambers are frequently appointed as arbitrators, adjudicators, experts, mediators, and legal assessors. An impressive number of our senior barristers also sit in the UK Courts as Deputy High Court Judges in divisions such as the Technology and Construction Court, Crown and County Courts.
Keating Chambers’ expertise extends across the globe. Our barristers have advised and acted in a wide variety of projects in most countries around the world.
Keating Chambers received 116 rankings in the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2025, with 56 members ranked across five practice areas. Keating maintained the rank of Band 1 for Construction, International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering and Construction: Professional Negligence.
“The go-to set for construction disputes. Fantastic experience throughout - great clerks, formidably intelligent counsel across the set and a pleasure to work with." Legal 500 UK Bar 2024
As the leading set in its field, Keating Chambers is proud of its modern approach to the management of chambers and barristers’ practices. We recognise the importance of investing in our people to bring a diverse skill set and an approach attuned to the needs of our clients and our barristers. We invest in developing our team and creating opportunities for progression and growth.
Keating Chambers is committed to promoting and advancing equality and diversity in all its dealings, including in the recruitment, development and retention of staff. We aim to provide a work environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Keating Chambers has won numerous awards including Chambers of the Year at the 2024 Legal Cheek Awards. We were also nominated for the Outstanding Set for Diversity & Inclusion award at the 2023 Chambers & Partners Awards and awarded a Wellbeing at the Bar certificate in 2023.
This is a newly created role that recognises Chambers considerable revenue growth and the increase in complexity and regulatory responsibility at the Bar. Given this Chambers is now looking for a qualified accountant to act as Head of Finance and support Chambers to effectively manage its budgeting, accounting and develop enhanced reporting and analysis to support Chambers to deliver on its short, medium term and long term plans. The successful candidate will work with the COO and Directors of Clerking to develop and implement financial strategies to support Chambers’ goals and objectives.
The role will be responsible, working with the COO, for the oversight of all budgetary matters and financial processes. This includes overseeing the preparation of financial statements, reports and forecasts, supporting the external audit process, managing the budget process and ensuring it aligns with strategic plans. An important part of the role will be conducting financial analysis and providing insights to support decision making.
The successful candidate will ensure that our financial forecasting and reporting is timely and accurate and that we obtain value for money for Chambers in products and services. Along with managing cash flow, investments and financial risk management, they will present financial reports and analysis to the senior management team and Executive Committee.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards as well as other requirements Chambers face as a regulated industry. This includes acting as Chambers Data Office, collecting and reporting on equality and diversity data. They will act as Company Secretary to Chambers operating company and to the 15 Essex Street Trusts. This will include providing support to the Executive Committee to prepare and collate papers, attending and minuting meetings.
The Head of Finance is also responsible for management of Chambers PAYE and benefits including monitoring changes to the market and advising on remuneration strategy. They will share line management responsibility for the Finance and Administration Executives and be responsible for undertaking appraisals and mentoring and developing the team.
The role will work closely with the Operations Manager, who is responsible for Chambers facilities and IT as well as day-to-day financial processes. Both roles report into the COO and need to be able to provide cover for the other in the event of absence.
This is a busy role reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. It requires a commercially oriented individual with a strong work ethic, a practical approach, strong numeric and analysis skills and a keen eye for detail. You must be able to demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, enjoy using negotiation and persuasion skills and evidence problem-solving ability.
The successful candidate will have a track record in delivering results for their clients. As with all chambers, Keating Chambers comprises a large number of self-employed barristers each pursuing his or her own practice. The Head of Finance must be responsive to the requirements of both Chambers as a brand and the individual barristers in Chambers.
The role requires a team player who can identify and take the lead on key strategic priorities while managing a fast-paced day-to-day workload. You will require the ability to build strong relationships internally among barristers and with the wider staff team. Strong people skills, emotional intelligence, active listening and the ability to influence diplomatically will be essential to success in the role. You should be able to demonstrate a positive attitude in challenging circumstances and you must be able discreetly to handle confidential information.
You will need to demonstrate collaboration and influencing skills and be comfortable with matrix management. You will collaborate closely with other departments (Clerking, Operations, Marketing) to drive financial performance and efficiency. The role provides a professional external face for Chambers, managing relationships with bankers, auditors and other stakeholders. Internally, you will provide leadership and mentorship to the two Finance and Administration Executives. These roles support both the Head of Finance and the Operations Manager.
While previous experience at the Bar is not a requisite, experience of working in a people focused business or the professional services sector will be an advantage.
Chambers is run by a small team of people who work closely together. The team works flexibly and collaboratively to support the delivery of Chambers’ requirements. There will be opportunities for the right candidate to develop the role and take on new responsibilities in the broader operational area and in supporting the COO.
Salary is competitive based on qualifications, skills and experience. Benefits include 6% pension contribution, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. Benefits on completion of probation include a bonus scheme, season ticket loan, permanent health insurance and private medical insurance.
Please email louisa.jackson@lmjaconsulting.co.uk for more information about the role and to apply.