Location: Flexible and in any state where the firm has an office.
Position Overview: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads and directs all aspects of the firm's finance and accounting groups to maximize financial performance while supporting the firm's strategic goals. The CFO reports to the firm's Chief Operating Officer as a key business advisor and provides guidance and support. The CFO will lead the planning and implementation of strategic finance initiatives in alignment with overall firm goals and continually monitor and assess key business and financial metrics.
CFO Responsibilities:- Lead the firm's strategic and operational finance initiatives, including financial planning and analysis, reporting, accounting, tax, Treasury/financial risk management, budgeting, and billing and collections.
- Develop and implement the firm's financial plans in collaboration with and approval from the Management and Finance Committees. This plan will enable the firm to grow and meet its financial goals and targets.
- Gain a deep understanding of the firm's practice groups, market, and competitive positions. Work closely with the firm's Chair, Management and Finance Committee, administrative leaders, and other partners regarding business planning, identification, and maximization of revenue, profitability, and economic growth opportunities.
- Plan, direct, and oversee all firm financial and accounting functions, including treasury, budgeting, payroll, billing and collections, financial analysis and reporting, financial planning and control, general and subsidiary accounting, partnership accounting, and taxation.
- Serve as an advisor to Management and Finance Committees and Practice Group Leaders regarding strategic planning, leverage, pricing, profitability, growth targets, and revenue goals.
- Review the firm's finance and accounting teams' capabilities, processes, and systems, and recommend improvements. Drive continuous improvement and innovation in finance and accounting functions, especially billing and collections.
- Lead the development of short and long-term financial plans, including budgets, cash flow projections, financial reports, and tax plans.
- Monitor, control, and protect firm assets, including cash and receivables.
- Monitor legislation at all jurisdictional levels to ensure the firm complies with all regulatory agency rules and guidelines. Communicate the impact of new developments and regulations, and ensure that the firm is fully prepared to implement appropriate changes.
- Manage audits, financial services, and banking relationships; serve as firm liaison to the banking community.
- Utilize quantitative and qualitative analysis to evaluate the firm's progress toward achieving its monthly and annual goals and anticipate obstacles and potential problems to forecast the firm's future financial results.
- Support the operation of various committees by providing statistical information for compensation decision-making, long-range planning, and budgeting.
- Oversee the preparation and filing of firm tax returns and other government reports on a timely basis.
- Monitor all laws and regulations regarding partnership taxes and counsel the partners on firm-related and personal taxation implications in conjunction with the firm's tax partners.
Education and Experience: A CPA and an undergraduate degree in business, finance, or accounting are required, and MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Successful candidates are expected to have fifteen years of progressively responsible relevant financial and accounting experience with five years of CFO level experience or equivalent required. Law firm experience is strongly preferred.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and characteristics:
- Strong business acumen and ability to develop a clear understanding of the firm's strategic business imperatives.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate and lead through influence rather than control.
- Deep knowledge of general accounting procedures and experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management; experience in audits.
- Experience leading teams with the ability to foster a culture of respect and communication, a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent presentation, writing, and verbal communication skills; the ability to interact with all levels in the firm and externally, tailoring communications effectively for diverse groups and stakeholders.
- Strategic orientation, collaborative and flexible style, focus on the highest commitment to professionalism, respect for others, stewardship, collaboration, creating value, and integrity.
- Strategic agility with the ability to assess the current state, look into the future, and see potential opportunities for the firm to undertake.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this job classification.
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