Team

Kennedys US Finance team supports the US offices producing timely and accurate financial and management information, reporting solutions and operational support to maintain the high standard of service offered to the firm's internal and external clients.

Kennedys US Finance Manager will be responsible for managing, inspiring, motivating and leading the US Finance Team. Our Finance team is engrossed in Financial Planning and Analysis and Finance Operations (billing, credit control, cashiers, finance database) for all of our eight US offices. The US Finance team is based in Basking Ridge, NJ and supports seven offices around the country.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily activities of financial accounting and month end activities which includes the general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, disbursement payments, credit card and merchant facilities, employee claims and credit control.
• Ensure the cash flow process is effectively managed by forecasting cash flow, identifying pinch points, being aware of large outstanding bills and client payment timeframes to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet cash requirements.
• Manage the banking facilities including, bank liaison, facility management, international currency transactions, daily banking transactions, reconciliation, leasing and finance facilities and administration of electronic banking site.
• Manage the year-end audit and reviews of the relevant countries. Communicate with external accountants and auditors in order to comply with local statutory, regulatory and professional requirements and manage the process of regulatory and financial end of year audits.
• Ensure compliance with global and US legislation and legal requirements including, but not limited to payroll, taxation (payroll, local taxes and associated Social Taxes) and superannuation. Keep up to date of changes in the regulatory, financial and legal or tax environments to ensure the firm is compliant in all areas.
• Liaise with the Global Finance team to produce, prepare and analyze balance sheets, Profit and Loss audit schedules, management reports, yearly financial statements and any other management reports required.
• Comply with Global Minimum Financial Standards set out by central finance team and work with the UK Elite 3e team to resolve system issues and implement upgrades and changes to the system.
• Manage or support US Billing processes as required, to ensure the month end billing process goes smoothly
• Work with the Head of Finance- US to prepare the annual budgets in accordance with the global timetables.

Required experience

• Experience in professional services as a Finance Manager

• Ability to manage, guide and lead employees to ensure appropriate financial processes are being used

• Ability and commitment to create an inspiring team environment with an open communication culture; motivate team members; recognize high performance and award accomplishments; encourage creativity; suggest and organize team building activities

• A solid understanding of financial metrics and accounting principles
• Ability to analyze financial trends both within the company and general market patterns
• Ability to develop business plans based on firm financial metrics and market trends.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, Excel and presentation skills
• BS/MA degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics
• Professional qualification such as CFA/CPA or similar will be considered a plus

About Kennedys

Kennedys is a global law firm with expertise in dispute resolution and advisory services. With over 2,400 people worldwide across 44 offices in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and America we have some of the most respected legal minds in their field.

Our lawyers handle both contentious and non-contentious matters, and provide a range of specialist legal services, for many industry sectors but we have particular expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, especially in defending insurance and liability claims.

We're a fresh-thinking firm, and we're not afraid to bring challenging new perspectives to the table way beyond the traditional realm of legal services. We empower our clients with a diverse range of ideas, tools and technology to make their lives easier, as well as delivering exceptional results, every time.

What do we have to offer?

We welcome high-performing lawyers, business services professionals, secretaries, graduates and apprentices to join our rapidly expanding global firm. Whatever your role at Kennedys, you'll be involved in exciting and stimulating work, where your input will make a difference.

Our culture and values form a big part of who we are and we take them seriously. We make a difference by being approachable, straightforward, supportive and distinctive. Our values are at the core of who we are and what make us a great firm to work with and for.

We develop careers in an innovative and collaborative global environment, with our values at the core. We believe that supporting individual growth and development puts us in the best position to attract and retain talented individuals. Regardless of role or level, everyone has access to virtual learning to help you develop your skills, wherever you are in the world. A variety of other exciting opportunities are available including secondments to clients and our global offices as well as a comprehensive benefits package (details are available upon request).

We've created a culture based on client service, professional excellence, hard work and trust. We deeply value the relationships we build with our clients and we know that they value our warm, friendly human approach. We are here to provide answers, recommendations, strategy and tactics.

Kennedys is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. We expect all employees to be aware of and comply with all relevant policies and procedures within their jurisdiction, including those relating to Information Security, Data Protection and Quality Management, refer any breach promptly to Risk & Compliance and to complete all mandatory training when requested.