Finance Director

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Finance Director to oversee all aspects of financial management for our growing mid-size law firm. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls within a legal services or professional services firm. The Finance Director will be responsible for managing the firm’s financial operations, including overseeing accounting and payroll, ensuring accurate financial reporting, managing budgets, and supporting strategic decision-making. Excellent communications skills are a must.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow).
• Analyze financial results, prepare variance analysis, and provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes.
• Ensure proper reconciliation of accounts, including trust accounts, operating accounts, and client funds.
• Maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (including ABA, IOLTA guidelines, etc.).

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Lead the preparation and management of the firm’s annual budget.
• Monitor financial performance against the budget and forecast, identifying trends and variances.
• Provide monthly/quarterly financial updates and projections to senior leadership.

Cash Flow Management:

• Manage firm’s cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for daily operations and planned expenditures.
• Develop cash flow forecasts to anticipate future needs, including working capital requirements.

Internal Controls & Compliance:

• Ensure internal controls and procedures are followed to safeguard firm assets.
• Oversee accounting policies and procedures to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Support external audits and regulatory filings.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.

Accounting Operations:

• Oversee the billing process, ensuring timely invoicing and collection efforts.
• Manage the firm’s payroll processing and ensure all employee benefits and taxes are properly accounted for.
• Work with outside tax firm on required filings

Technology & System Improvements:

• Evaluate and implement accounting software and systems to streamline financial operations.
• Collaborate with the IT team to ensure data security and systems integration.

Strategic Support:

• Work closely with the leadership team to provide financial insights and data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Work on optimizing employee benefit programs
• Assist in pricing models, billing strategies, and cost management initiatives.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in accounting/financial management
• Experience working in a law firm or professional services firm is strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and legal industry financial regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Elite, Aderant) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities.