Director of Finance

We are currently recruiting for a Director of Finance to oversee European financial operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, treasury (incl. client trust accounts), revenue control and reporting/planning functions. Responsible for the short and long-term planning, operational processes, and procedures/controls in London and the European offices. Oversee and manage staffing as required to support these functional areas/responsibilities including hiring, training, and performance evaluations. Liaison to head office finance team and all senior Business Services directors/managers supporting firmwide operations.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS :

Works closely with London Managing Partner, European COO, Global CFO and all senior level directors and managers, partners, associates and administrative staff.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Manage the day–to–day finance operations and staff of the London, Brussels and Frankfurt offices.
• Oversee all European general ledger/balance sheet accounts. Liaising with head office to ensure all reconciliations are complete and reconciling items are researched and resolved.
• Coordinate the European revenue and expense/capital planning and forecasting processes with local Managing Partner and local Practice Group Leaders.
• Monthly reporting of the European financial results. Research and reconcile all variances against expense budgets.
• Oversee local treasury functions and cash flow management
• Preparation of annual partnership tax returns
• Oversee preparation of locally prepared VAT returns
• Act as COFA with responsibility for the client money procedures, controls and the annual SAR audit.
• Working capital management, operating closely with the Revenue Manager to oversee the European billing and revenue control function
• Input to pricing and matter planning decisions
• Responsible for ensuring compliance and consistency with established local and/or firmwide procedures, internal controls and policies (develop/modify methodologies as required, automating and streamlining process where applicable). Implement best practices, and ensure proper documentation and training is provided.
• Responsible for the implementation/roll-out of financial software and applications in the European offices.
• Liaison with outside tax accountants and Firmwide Director of taxation, ensuring financial information is provided in a timely manner for UK, German and Belgian tax return preparation.
• Reporting for European Senior Management and Business Services.
• Support for European Senior Management when undertaking strategic review and planning
• Support special projects or initiatives directed by firm management and partners.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES: 

• A track record of effective team leadership skills, decision-making, coaching, mentoring, consultative and problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance to the Firm
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Exceptional analytical, organisational. prioritisation and project management skills
• Ability to work under pressure with interruptions and to tight deadlines
• Ability to make high level decisions and deliver difficult messages
• Ability to work effectively with others; creativity; intellectual curiosity; high performance standards; achievement orientation; and the ability to act in a fair, equitable and professional manner at all times
• Ability to act with a high degree of integrity, autonomy and independence
• Well-developed presentation skills

Education, Qualifications and Job Experience Requirements:

• UK equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience, including all aspects of accounting and financial functions. These functions should include, but are not limited to budgeting, financial statement preparation, general accounting and accounts payable, billing and collections, and financial analysis. Knowledge of partnership tax returns would also be of advantage.
• Must have prior experience in a management role within a law firm or professional services firm.

Technological Skills : Extensive experience with Elite 3E or similar ERP system and related solutions.