What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Systems Manager position at Shook, Hardy and Bacon?
Manages suite of financial accounting systems that are secure, deliver proper accounting controls, are appropriately designed to address firm management/reporting needs, meet business and audit requirements, esures sound data governance and provides a road to efficiency and success to back office users.
Serves as primary resource for analysis, development, management, and maintenance of the firm's core accounting system and all ancillary systems. Makes recommendations and works with Director of Financial Systems to ensure continuous improvement and enhanced performance of the applications.
Manages upgrades for financial systems upgrades, including research, testing, documentation and implementation. Makes appropriate adjustments to customizations and linked databases. Collaborates with Lead Systems Engineer to monitor database logs and diagnose issues.
Manages month end close and year-end close process for accounting department; ensures adherence to accounting procedures and processes.
Ensures accounting controls are in place and serves as internal auditor in system balancing routines. Partners with accounting management to document, implement, maintain and monitor standard operating procedures implemented across the department.
Manages new business intake and overall master files governance for the core financial accounting system.
Develops and maintains documentation and procedural standards relating to all routine system support and projects, including SQL databases, intranet, web applications, and custom programming.
Develops, maintains and supports end user training for financial systems, applications and custom programs. Guides users on system functionality, data output, queries and new data requirements.
Delivers onboarding orientation for accounting systems to new partners, attorneys and professional staff; partners with Learning and Development in creating and publishing curriculum for end user learning.
Collaborates on design; documents and implements system updates/upgrades and makes recommendations to improve workflow; positively impacts overall operational effectiveness.
Participates on project team and collaborates with Director of Financial Systems and CFO in the design, planning, development and implementation of new financial systems.
Champions best practice principles to facilitate change and end user adoption of new technologies.
Maintains in-depth knowledge of business objectives and leverages opportunities for synergy across functions, processes and departments.
Recommends, implements and supports process improvement initiatives to enhance existing financial systems and create efficiency.
Creates and maintains technical documentation of business processes.
Performs data analysis to facilitate identifying and resolving of issues/problems.
Ensures continuous operation and reliability of accounting systems and applications.
Functions as a financial systems subject matter expert.
Exhibits initiative and innovative thinking and drives best practices. Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy and confidentiality.
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Qualifications:
Bachelors' degree in finance, accounting, information systems, or related field (accounting preferred); and minimum of 5 years of professional experience in an accounting role or related discipline; with 5 years of IT systems experience a plus; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles as well as company accounting policies, procedures and standards; current knowledge of technology developments relevant to law firm operation. Must possess a clear understanding of law firm practice and operations and end-user needs, with emphasis on accounting and new business practices. Strong project leadership and team building skills is key. Substantial analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail. Ability to analyze and solve problems using learned techniques and tools. Knowledge of and experience with most or all of the following languages and applications: Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2010/2008R2, SQL Reporting Services, .NET, Microsoft Visual Studio, and other tools selected by the firm for similar purposes. Experience with financial systems data flow and data structure is a plus. Possesses quantitative and qualitative analysis skills; ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including creating and utilizing spreadsheets as well as accounting system applications.