Under the microscope: Sarah Hardick, Finance Manager

Under the microscope here is Sarah Hardick who is Finance Manager.

We get asked numerous questions about what it’s like to work at Riverview Law so we decided to profile some of the different roles throughout our business. We have published a series of case studies on Riverview Law employees which will give you a feel for the people within our business, the roles they undertake and what it’s like to work here.

Me: Sarah Hardick

My role: Finance Manager

What I did before joining:

I am a qualified Management Accountant and spent the majority of my career working in manufacturing. I had a career break in 2004 when I retrained as a florist. I then spent 6 years running my own Florist in Coventry before returning to accountancy in 2010.

Why I joined:

I joined Riverview Law because I was impressed with the culture and innovation within the business. The principles applied within Riverview have been used in the corporate environment for many years but within Legal Services this is a major change. Being involved in change and taking the business forward motivates me so Riverview Law was a perfect fit for me. The opportunity to be involved with Riverview, in what is still, early days, was one that I couldn’t resist!

What surprised me most in my first week at Riverview Law:

I was amazed the culture that was discussed and emphasised during the recruitment process was actually reality! Sometimes what is preached isn’t always practised! Here at Riverview it is!

What I’ve learnt since joining:

Riverview Law is unique! We really are changing the way Legal Services are delivered. I assumed, being an accountant, that MI was an integral part of managing a business. However since joining Riverview I have discovered that this is something the Legal world has been missing out on. Not only do we provide legal services but we also give our customers monthly management information; a value adding service which gives them the facility to analyse their business activities more effectively.

What I enjoy most about my job:

I enjoy the fact that every day is different and that I am getting involved in projects that aren’t necessarily purely Finance focussed. As Finance Manager I am responsible for producing the monthly management accounts for the Board of Directors and providing the Client Managers and Legal Managers with their Profit and Loss accounts in order for them to manage their team and budgets effectively. We have monthly Profit and Loss review meetings which are a two way process, whereby the Managers understand the Financial aspects of their Client Accounts and I get an understanding of the operational aspects of the customers’ accounts which helps me with forecasting and budgeting.

As the company is growing rapidly there are many challenges that need resolving including staffing, office space and IT requirements all of which involve Finance at varying degrees. This gives me exposure to the operational side of the business which I particularly enjoy.

How Riverview Law compares with other places I’ve worked:

Riverview Law is completely different to other places where I have worked; culture is a big thing here and we have the correct balance between work and fun. There is a positive atmosphere within the office, people enjoy being here and I think that is a combination of the openness, honesty and our One Team culture. Communication is vital in any organisation and here at Riverview communication is a priority. We have weekly updates from the Chief Executive which is something the staff value considerably.

Why I’m still here:

I have only been with Riverview Law for 8 months and in this short time I have seen how the Legal Services market is changing and Riverview Law is a major player in this. To be able to say I was there, I was part of the changes …why would you want to go anywhere else?

What I’d say to potential applicants:

Riverview Law is not a traditional law firm… if you are looking for tradition then this is not the company for you! We have six values; one of the most important ones to me is individual. We are encouraged to show our individuality and personality. In my experience a culture like this is rare. If you are the type of person that likes to make a difference and be part of the team then Riverview Law should be a consideration for you.