Head of Legal/General Counsel

at  GRAVITA

We’re Gravita: the accountants fuelling ambitious businesses. We’re a top 30 accounting firm working with entrepreneurs and businesses to help them achieve their goals, and make an impact in the world.
We’re growing fast and are bringing like-minded advisors together to form a full-service tech-enabled accounting partner for thousands of SMEs. Our team use their incredible expertise alongside intuitive technology to help businesses and entrepreneurs plan better and grow faster.
Our mission is to become the UK’s leading tech-enabled accounting firm for SMEs. We have ambitious goals and our high-calibre team work hard to achieve them. We are one team with one agenda, working collaboratively in a respectful environment to deliver a great service to our clients. So if you join us, you’ll not only be working on exciting client challenges, you’ll also be helping us shape the future of accounting.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Significant experience in a senior legal role within a regulated environment, preferably within accountancy or financial services.
• Previous role within a Private Equity backed business would be a benefit
• M&A experience on either buy or sell side
• Experience in handling corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract management, and risk management.
• Proactive and confident in advising senior stakeholders.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

THE ROLE

The role will create and lead the Legal function within Gravita, and develop how we operate within the legal and regulatory framework.
The role will work closely with our internal Technical Risk and Quality team who ensure our work for clients is both compliant and high quality. Based upon the individual, this team could report directly into this role or “dotted” to provide support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including client agreements, supplier contracts, and partnership agreements. Ensure contracts are legally sound and protect the firm’s interests.
• Leadership and Strategy: Lead the legal department, provide strategic legal advice to the board and senior management, and contribute to the overall business strategy.
• Dispute Resolution: Handle any legal disputes or litigation involving the firm, working with external counsel as needed. Advise on potential disputes and manage resolution strategies.
• M&A: Support the business in acquisitions, reviewing the Legal DD and any relevant elements of the transaction.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the firm’s compliance with UK laws and regulations, particularly those related to financial services and accountancy practices (e.g. FRC and ICAEW). Oversee the management of legal risks and ensure that all business activities comply with regulatory standards.
• Data Protection: Ensure compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations, and act as a liaison with data protection authorities. Oversee data protection impact assessments and data protection training programs.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and manage legal risks across the firm’s operations. Develop and implement risk management policies and procedures.
• Corporate Governance: Advise the board on corporate governance issues, including company secretarial duties, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Training and Development: Provide training to staff on legal and compliance matters, raising awareness of legal risks and ensuring adherence to best practices.
• External Relations: Manage relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies, ensuring the firm’s interests are effectively represented.
• Employee Relations: Provide legal advice on HR matters, including employment contracts, disputes, and compliance with employment law. Support the People team in managing complex employee relations issues if they should occur.