Stoel Rives LLP has an immediate opening for a Chief Financial Officer in any of our Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco or Seattle offices. This position is a member of the firm’s administrative leadership team and reports to the COO.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic and financial leadership to the firm and the finance function while also ensuring the firm’s financial integrity. The CFO participates in the development of the firm’s plans and performance as a strategic partner. The CFO develops, implements, and drives business strategies and key initiatives to enhance the firm's success, in alignment with the firm's strategic goals and objectives. The CFO is responsible for long- and short-term financial planning, capital and operational budgeting, and issues related to revenue generation. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide the financial vision for the firm.
• Lead the firm's finance function, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, audit, tax, banking relationships, cash management, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce changes in policy and procedure related to the firm’s financial management, and maintain a comprehensive financial system that embraces best practices, sound financial controls and management principles which are supported by the policies and procedures.
• Develop, lead and manage the firm’s financial plan. The plan must support the firm’s strategic direction, include financial targets and outline financial pathways required to achieve financial targets. Plan management includes reporting regularly on status and advising the firm on its resource investments and the likely impact of the firm’s financial position. This includes the annual revenue and expense budget process.
• Design and implement best practice metrics, reporting tools and communications related to the firm’s financial performance for various stakeholder group (e.g. Executive Committee, Practice Management, Partners, Administration, etc.). This includes driving performance and profitability improvement through effective financial analysis to identify the drivers of profitability and to educate and assist Partners in implementing programs to improve profitability.
• Provide leadership in promoting and maintaining firm culture and vision and integrating the professional staff to be a highly effective and committed organization.
• Provide vision and manage resources to deliver cost-effective services that drive firm competitiveness and strategic advantage.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the firm’s strategic direction and plan.
• Offer policy-level financial recommendations to ensure the firm’s long-term financial viability.
• Monitor and evaluate trends in the legal industry, in the local communities where the firm operates and the industries in which the firm’s significant clients operate. Make recommendations to the COO and the Executive Committee as to how the firm should respond to these trends.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the firm’s pricing activities. This includes creating policies and procedures, implementing systems, and managing the appropriate resources who can work with Practice Group Leaders to set hourly rates for all lawyers and assist Partners in developing non-hourly pricing arrangements by assessing the impact on profitability.
• Design and maintain an appropriate capital funding program in support of the firm’s desired capital structure and financial position.
• Provide financial analysis and advice for lateral Partner hires, practice group or firm acquisitions. Includes valuation, due diligence compensation projections, pricing and client base assessments, and financial integration planning for growth opportunities.
• Monitor current business trends and best practices. Maintain expert understanding of federal, state, and other regulatory agency rules and guidelines. Communicate the impact of new developments and regulations and make appropriate recommendations for action.
• Provide leadership to all administrative support functions and staff by participating in the development and implementation of an administrative strategic plan, and building a collaborative, team-oriented culture that is to professional excellence. Manage, mentor, and develop staff and ensure that all functional resources are in alignment with the firm’s values, purpose and vision.
• Other duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES

Must possess the following capabilities: Superior leadership, communication and managerial skills; Be an energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image. Depth of technical financial knowledge and expertise; Ability to work with only general direction and take initiative; Ability to define a vision / financial direction for the firm and provide strategic guidance to managers and staff; Capable of handling confidential financial matters with sensitivity and discretion; Ability to communicate complex financial information succinctly to firm leaders and other lawyers and staff, sometimes with minimal preparation; Strong, action oriented implementation style and proven ability to delegate and follow-up.

Technical Knowledge

Must possess the following technical/professional knowledge and experience: Extensive knowledge of current federal and state laws related to finance and accounting practices and associated reporting and multi-state tax requirements. Thorough knowledge of partnership financial management principles in order to lead and implement best practice systems, policies and procedures; Successful experience operating as a C-level leader, interfacing with key stakeholders, contributing to organizational strategy/direction, directing a finance function and managing teams.

Physical/Mental Capabilities

Must be able to operate a computer, calculator, and telephone many times daily. Must have the ability to communicate complex information and ideas successfully and efficiently to all levels of personnel, frequently without prior preparation, to rapidly analyze, judge, anticipate consequences, decide, initiate action, determine follow-through, and take corrective action; to manage and direct a medium-sized staff as well as multiple projects with multiple variables. Must be able to read, interpret, and understand written and verbal information, present ideas effectively, sometimes under pressure, and maintain stable performance, sometimes under time constraints or opposition. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; MBA and CPA preferred. At least 10 years’ experience in accounting/finance function management, preferably for a mid-large size law firm.  

NORMAL WORK HOURS

This position is exempt. Normal office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stoel Rives is a leading U.S. corporate and litigation law firm. One of the largest national firms focused on energy, natural resources, environmental and climate change, Stoel Rives also serves the agribusiness, food and beverage, health care, life sciences and technology industries. With more than 350 attorneys operating out of 10 offices in seven states and the District of Columbia, Stoel Rives is a leader in regulatory and compliance matters, business, labor and employment law, intellectual property, land use, real estate development and construction law.

Stoel Rives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.