Our client is a well-established, full-service law firm with offices in NY and NJ. As the firm continues to evolve in an increasingly competitive legal market, it seeks a strategic and operationally strong Chief Financial Officer to partner with leadership in driving performance, profitability, and long-term financial strength.
Position Summary
Our client is seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the firm’s financial operations and serve as a key advisor to the Managing Partner and Executive
Committee.
This executive role will oversee all aspects of accounting, financial planning & analysis, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, billing, collections, and cash flow management. The CFO will play a critical role in strengthening financial transparency, enhancing profitability, and delivering data-driven insights that support partner decision-making.
The ideal candidate combines deep law firm financial expertise with strong business acumen and the ability to communicate effectively with attorneys and firm leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Financial Oversight
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Managing Partner and Executive Committee.
- Lead firm-wide financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
- Develop and implement strategies to improve profitability, margin management, and working capital.
- Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timeliness.
- Provide forward-looking financial insights to support strategic initiatives and firm growth.
- Manage relationships with outside accounting firms, auditors, banks, and other financial partners.
Law Firm Economics & Partner Reporting
- Develop detailed reporting on realization, utilization, leverage, productivity, and profitability by attorney and practice group.
- Enhance management reporting tools and dashboards for partners and practice leaders.
- Provide financial modeling to support partner compensation planning and performance evaluation.
- Monitor key metrics related to billing rates, collections, write-offs, and client profitability.
Professionalization of Finance Function
- Evaluate and improve internal controls, financial systems, and processes.
- Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency across accounting and finance.
- Establish KPIs and performance dashboards to increase accountability and transparency.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, tax, and partnership reporting requirements.
Billing, Collections & Legal Technology
- Oversee all billing and collections functions to ensure strong cash flow and disciplined WIP management.
- Optimize billing cycles and collections strategies to reduce aging and improve realization.
- Leverage legal accounting and practice management systems to improve workflow and reporting accuracy.
- Evaluate and implement technology enhancements to strengthen business intelligence capabilities.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead and mentor the firm’s finance and accounting team.
- Collaborate with HR, IT, and administrative leadership to support firm-wide initiatives.
- Partner with practice group leaders to provide financial insight into staffing, pricing, and client strategy.
- Maintain strong working relationships across all offices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role within a law firm or professional services environment.
- Deep understanding of law firm economics, partner compensation models, and billing structures.
- Experience overseeing multi-office financial operations preferred.
- Strong command of financial systems, reporting tools, and legal accounting software.
- Demonstrated ability to modernize financial reporting and improve operational performance.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial data for non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior partners.
Why This Is a Compelling Opportunity
- Strategic Seat at the Table: The CFO will play a visible leadership role and help shape the firm’s financial strategy.
- High Impact Position: Opportunity to enhance reporting, profitability, and operational discipline across offices.
- Sophisticated Practice Mix: Exposure to diverse practice groups and complex client matters.
- Collaborative Leadership Culture: Work directly with experienced partners who value strategic financial insight.
- Long-Term Growth Platform: Join a respected firm with strong institutional relationships and expansion potential.
