Director of Financial Operations

New York, NY

Summary

Premier, boutique, patent litigation law firm is seeking a seasoned and proactive finance leader to overhaul and manage our core financial operations. This role is responsible for establishing and enforcing best-in-class workflows for accounts payable, receivable, client billing, and payroll-areas where accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism are critical to client trust and firm performance. They are looking for a hands-on manager with the leadership, attention to detail, and operational discipline to bring structure, quality control, and accountability to our finance function. The ideal candidate will have law firm experience, a CPA, and the ability to lead a team while improving processes through training, technology, and rigor. This person must be capable of stepping into the CFO role in the future.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Own and optimize A/P, A/R, and billing workflows—establish controls, error-checks, and automation to ensure invoices and client bills are accurate, timely, and properly submitted in client systems.
• Lead and develop the transactional finance team (currently 3 employees), instilling a culture of accuracy, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Review and approve client bills against matter budgets; act as point of contact for partners on billing issues and matter budgets.
• Collaborate closely with HR and review semi-monthly payroll; ensure accuracy and payroll tax compliance across locations.
• Support CFO on monthly close-out, financial forecasting and reporting.
• Identify and implement process improvements, especially in billing, collections, and payables.
• Take hands-on, monthly ownership to double-check key processes and reduce recurring errors.
• Support leadership with financial insights and operational efficiency projects.
• Prepare to assume greater strategic responsibility over time, including possible succession into the CFO role.

Qualifications

• CPA strongly preferred.
• 7–10+ years of senior finance/accounting leadership, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing and improving client billing and accounting workflows.
• Proven ability to lead teams, implement controls, and “get in the weeds” when needed.
• Familiarity with Aderant, Concur (or Chrome River), and legal billing systems strongly preferred.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis/reporting skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with attorneys and leadership.

*A comprehensive benefits package which includes employer-paid medical and dental insurance, vision, life insurance, short‐term and long‐term disability, as well as a 401(k) plan with a company contribution. 

**Firm is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. 

***Compensation: $225,000-$275,000 (depending on experience), plus bonus

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