Job Description:
Position Overview:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the overall financial leadership and strategic direction of the firm. This executive role oversees all aspects of financial management, including planning, implementing, managing, and controlling financial-related activities. The CFO is a key member of the firm’s leadership team and will guide departments responsible for accounting, finance, forecasting, budgeting, financial analysis, payroll, and institutional financing.
The CFO will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer, Managing Partner, and Executive Committee and will work collaboratively with the firm’s audit, budget, and distribution committees, among other management groups.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the preparation and timely communication of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
Lead the month-end close process, improving departmental procedures and eliminating inefficiencies.
Manage all general ledger activities, including balance sheet accounts and overhead allocations.
Present financial updates and reports at partnership meetings.
Provide consistent, data-driven analysis regarding profitability and revenue performance.
Collaborate in firmwide and practice group business planning initiatives.
Lead the budgeting and forecasting process, monitor operating and capital budgets, and provide variance analyses with actionable recommendations.
Serve as a strategic business partner to firm leadership, offering insights on operations, industry trends, and growth strategies.
Enhance and maintain financial systems, including Aderant Sierra, electronic billing, accounts payable/receivable, and timekeeping systems.
Manage cash flow planning and ensure sufficient liquidity for operational needs.
Cultivate and maintain strong banking relationships and vendor partnerships.
Provide guidance and recommendations based on monthly financial performance.
Establish and track financial goals in alignment with the firm’s strategic plan.
Evaluate financial performance relative to long-term targets, budgets, and forecasts.
Ensure strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management procedures.
Act as the primary liaison for external audits; oversee audit preparation and execution.
Recruit, develop, and manage the finance, accounting, and payroll teams.
Maintain accurate job descriptions and staffing plans across financial departments.
Qualifications and Experience:
CPA designation required.
Minimum of 10 years in senior financial roles within professional services or law firms.
Experience implementing Aderant Sierra is strongly preferred.
Proven success in high-performance, multi-office environments.
Experience leading organizational change while maintaining high client service standards.
Background in Lean Six Sigma or process improvement initiatives.
Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal financial, tax, and regulatory laws.
Skills and Competencies:
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
Advanced Excel proficiency and strong general PC/software knowledge.
Aderant Sierra experience required.
Familiarity with PCI 4.0 compliance standards.
Ability to communicate complex financial information to executive leadership effectively.
High integrity, professionalism, and urgency in execution.
Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to navigate partnership dynamics.
Excellent analytical and business acumen, with the ability to derive insights and propose actionable strategies.
To learn more, contact:
Sydney Frankel, Legal Staffing Recruiter