The Firm’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) sets and monitors profitability targets, analyzes practice area performance and advises on pricing, billing rates and realization; Works with the Firm’s Managing Shareholder and Executive Committee on Shareholder compensation models, origination credit, billables and collections; Reports on financial impact when hiring lateral Shareholders / Shareholder Groups. Oversees billing cycles and collections, accounts receivable and working capital and distributions for Shareholders; Builds the annual budget for the Firm, monitors overhead (rent, staff, technology needs) and identifies creeping or inefficient ROI; Prepares and presents financial reports to the Managing Partner and Executive Committee; Manages lines of credit, oversees capital structure and ensures compliance with financial covenants.
This role reports to the Managing Shareholder, the Executive Committee and the Executive Director.
Duties / Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership in the development for the continuous evaluation of short and long-term strategic financial objectives.
- Ensure credibility of Finance group by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends and forecasts.
- Direct and oversee all aspects of the finance, accounting, billing, collections, and payroll functions of the Firm.
- Manage cash flow daily.
- Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range financial planning.
- Provide Executive Committee with advice on the financial implications of business activities.
- Provide Shareholders with information on the Firm's financial position and other financial information.
- Responsible for evaluating equity and debt structures to determine affordability of growth and deployment of financial resources / capital.
- Manage processes for financial forecasting, budgets and reporting.
- Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities.
- Ensure that effective internal controls are in place.
- Be point for the Firm's relationship with banks and other financial institutions.
Qualifications / Experience:
- CPA (preferred)
- Proficiency in Aderant (Iridium) and/or Elite Software
- Five -Ten Years’ experience in the Legal Industry
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong references
The Role:
- Works closely with the Shareholders and Executive Director to understand their specific needs.
- Has a keen understanding of the Firm’s culture.
- Is flexible and able to “wear different hats.”
- Is responsive and communicative.
- Can juggle various tasks simultaneously, efficiently, and accurately.
- Has excellent attention to detail.
- Is confident and professional.
- Will be a highly motivated team player.
- Is eager to learn and share their own knowledge and experience.
- Wants to be part of a collaborative team
- Can positively contribute to the professional and collegial environment in which they work.
- Strives to develop their professional skills and advance their own career.
- Fosters an inclusive and diverse environment in which unique characteristics are valued.
Skills:
- Proficient in MS Office Suite: Outlook / Word / Excel / PowerPoint.
- Be detail-oriented, organized and attentive.
- Be efficient and reliable.
- Possess a “can do” attitude and maintain a positive team player mentality.
- Able to deliver a high standard of customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Able to communicate effectively with attorneys, staff, and team members regarding commitments, deadlines, challenges, requests, etc.
- Able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Able to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
- Willing and able to learn new skills.
