Associate Director of Finance

New York, NY

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Finance will assist in meeting the needs of an increasingly complex business and will focus on the means and methods to drive value across the business.  It will be incumbent on the Associate Director of Finance to have an understanding of the drivers of the Firm’s business.    Using this knowledge we will look for him/her to be an active member of the senior-management team.   A well-functioning finance function, which includes general ledger, financial analysis, budgeting, accounts payable, audit, tax, billing and collections and financial systems, is imperative to success.  The Firm has a well-functioning finance department but is interested in hearing new ideas on how to make it even better.  Overseeing the day to day finance function is an important part of this role.  As important is the ability to provide and execute a vision to help lead the department forward to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.  This may entail streamlining or eliminating certain functions and utilizing technology to get things done as efficiently as possible.  Providing our “clients” be that partners, directors or clients with tools to enable them to have on demand and useful information at their finger-tips is the direction we are expected to head.  Law firm accounting must continue to evolve in order to meet the rapid demands related to greater complexity and competitive nature of the business.  The ability to manage the development and execution of new tools, systems and staff is an essential role.  Efficiency is paramount as the expectations to produce output in a short amount of time and with little cost is a priority.  Intimate understanding of technology including reporting and databases is essential for success.

Personally, the Associate Director of Finance will be bright, energetic, innovative and self-confident.  Will need to communicate effectively to all levels of the Firm.  Demonstrated success in exceeding the expectations of a large contingency of partners within a flat organizational structure is necessary.  The Associate Director of Finance must be results-oriented and able to implement change while at the same time be a good leader, motivator and listener.  The Associate Director of Finance will report to the Director of Finance.

Bachelor’s Degree required, with a Masters and/or CPA highly desirable.  A minimum of 10 years relevant experience and partnership experience required.  Multi-office international company experience required.  Demonstrated use of technical skills including macro programming, report writing and database knowledge are required.

Specific responsibilities include, but not limited:

• Advise on a wide array of financial matters that impact the Firm
• Assure that the Firm has a highly capable accounting function through the ongoing attraction, development and retention of skilled professionals.  Review capabilities and recommend improvements and development plans.
• Focus on having a streamlined, well-run group with state-of-the art financial and accounting systems.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the Firm’s practice areas, clients, strategic plan, administrative needs and business opportunities.  Provide financial analysis and advice to Practice Group Leaders and Office heads regarding profitability, revenue, rates, utilization, realization and leverage.
• Provide financial analysis for lateral partner hires and other strategic initiatives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new ways of pricing client services.  Oversee the development and maintenance of client billing arrangement database.
• Identify and implement cost and expense control initiatives.
• Review internal controls and establish recommendations to enhance the internal control function.
• Manage preparation of operating and capital budgets, strategic planning and ad hoc financial planning and analysis.
• Analyze Firm performance against peer Firms and other third party surveys
• Step back and look at the entire flow of information – find ways of streamlining processes
• Evaluate practice areas and offices.  Provide more insightful data, metrics and dashboards to more effectively manage the business.  These will include key metrics as well as client budgeting and pricing tools.
• Oversee partnership taxation and the preparation of the annual audit with the Firm’s auditor.
• Build and manage both capital and operating budgets.
• Prepare financial presentations for partners, associates and staff.
• Continue to advance the use of technology within the Finance and Accounting function to remain “cutting edge”.  Assess the Firm’s accounting systems and stay abreast of what’s available in the market.
• Drive results and be hands-on and willing to do what it takes to complete a task
• Build and sustain solid relationships at multiple levels within the Firm.
• Show strong intellectual curiosity.  Be able to perform “deep-dives” into the details of the business while staying focused on the big picture.  Be hands-on when necessary and be committed to figuring out how to complete tasks and projects.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant financial management experience, in positions of increasing authority, preferably in a law firm or other professional services environment.
• Experience with multi-office, multi-currency accounting.
• A hands-on understanding of technology including financial accounting systems, SQL Server, Excel macro programming and report writing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• A self-confident leader who is able to work equally with lawyers and administrative staff.
• A four-year degree, with an M.B.A. or a C.P.A. highly desirable.