What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Financial Officer position at WH Burkley?
Company Description
WH Burkley, LLP is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee the firm’s financial strategy and operations across a multi-state organization. This position acts as a trusted advisor to firm leadership in supporting profitability, sustainable growth, and long-term strategic decision-making. May be located in either Cleveland, Ohio or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Qualifications
- The ideal candidate brings prior law firm experience, strong executive presence, and the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable guidance
- 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience
- CPA license preferred; candidates without a CPA should demonstrate equivalent depth of technical accounting expertise
- Experience supporting multi-state operations and distributed workforces
- Strong knowledge of law firm (or similar service industry) financial metrics, billing practices, and partner economics
- Strategic, business-oriented finance leader with strong executive presence
- Comfortable advising firm leadership
- Hands-on, collaborative, and solutions-focused leadership style
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
Responsibilities
- The CFO will be responsible for firmwide financial strategy, performance management, and operational finance across a geographically dispersed organization
- Serve as a strategic advisor to firm leadership on financial performance, profitability, and long-term planning
- Lead annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and multi-year financial planning
- Present clear, concise financial reporting and insights firm leadership
- Support strategic initiatives including geographic expansion and lateral growth
- Oversee financial performance with a focus on utilization, realization, collections, and margin management
- Monitor rate structures, write-offs, and profitability by client, practice group, and office
- Identify revenue leakage and develop strategies to improve margins while remaining competitive in the legal market
- Partner with operations and practice leadership to align staffing models with case economics
Accounting, Cash Flow & Controls
- Oversee all accounting and finance functions, including billing, AR/AP, general ledger, trust accounting, and monthly close
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and banking relationships
- Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with applicable regulations
- Lead annual audits, tax filings, and coordination with external advisors
- Provide financial analysis and support for partner compensation models, capital accounts, and draws
- Support leadership in evaluating compensation structures and equity considerations
- Maintain discretion and professionalism in all partner-related financial matters
Multi-State Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee financial implications of multi-state operations, including payroll, taxes, and benefits
- Partner with HR and Operations on benefits strategy, workforce planning, and compliance
- Support finance, billing, and technology system enhancements to improve efficiency and scalability
- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team
- Build scalable processes and a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
Benefits
- Annual reviews with potential for significant salary growth
- Annual performance bonuses based on organizational and individual results
- Eligibility to participate in the Firm’s health, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) and profit- sharing plan, health savings and flexible spending accounts, pursuant to plan terms
- Eligibility for Firm-paid benefits such as group term life insurance, and long-term disability, subject to applicable waiting periods
- Company paid holidays and unlimited paid time off (PTO)
- Payment of membership dues to key associations for CPAs including CPE credits as approved