Associate Director - Financial Operations EMEA

NEW Associate Director - Financial Operations EMEA role now available at leading global law firm.

This position is a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with the firms EMEA CFO and Finance leadership on operational matters that are essential to the functioning of the Finance Department and the broader Firm.

Specific responsibilities will include Financial Planning, Reporting and Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting, Financial Performance Management, departmental resourcing, and structuring the delivery of various finance-related systems projects and other initiatives and involvement in lateral hiring, partner compensation and promotions.

The firm is looking for someone with extensive experience working in large global law firms with a broad range of finance experience who can operate at a very senior level, with emphasis on driving commerciality but also the practice parts of running a successful finance function.

Specific duties include:

• Partner with the EMEA CFO and other senior leaders to develop and execute the regional strategy and business plans
• Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to the regional leadership team, supporting business development and growth initiatives
• Evaluate and advise on the financial implications and feasibility of new business opportunities, contracts, and projects
• Work closely with the EMEA Head of Reporting and Finance Leads in the offices to manage the financial planning, reporting, and analysis for the region, ensuring compliance with global and local standards and regulations
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the financial data and systems, and implement internal controls and policies
• Oversee the budgeting, forecasting, and performance management processes, ensuring alignment with the firm's objectives and targets
• Work closely with the Head of Reporting to coordinate and consolidate the annual budget and quarterly forecasts for the region, and communicate them to the regional leadership team
• Track performance against budget across revenue, expenses and profit and recommend corrective actions where off track
• Review and streamline the finance processes and workflows, and implement automation and standardisation where possible
• Support the roll out of new technology solutions and systems that enhance finance capability
• Work on or lead any ad hoc projects that may arise, either from the global firm or from within the region
• Act as the Operational SME for the Finance function, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation
• Review the current resources employed within the EMEA Finance function and identify the most efficient approach to the provision of Finance support for the region
• Work closely with the Service Centres to ensure the successful adoption of identified roles or tasks and the successful ongoing delivery of that service
• Help define and communicate the vision, mission, and goals of the finance function, and align them with the firm's values and strategy
• Provide direction, guidance, and support to the finance team and ensure they have the necessary skills, resources, and tools to perform their roles effectively
• Promote a learning and development culture within the finance team and help provide opportunities for training, coaching, and mentoring
• Provide support to the Talent Function and Practice Groups concerning partner lateral hiring
• Support the EMEA Compensation Committee for Principals and the Local Partner Compensation Committee
• Provide support with financial information to assist management in assessing the performance of candidates for promotion to Partner or Principal
• Assist with calculations of distributable profits per a predefined formula.
• Working closely with the CFO and Senior Working Capital Manager, ensure lock-up targets are met and partners are supported in the delivery of strong financial hygiene

Experience needed:

• Must be a qualified accountant
• Must have 10+ years working in a law firm with an international remit
• Must be willing to turn your hand to anything that comes up with a can-do attitude
• Experience in financial planning, reporting, analysis, budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and business partnering
• Experience in leading and developing finance teams, and driving continuous improvement and efficiency in the finance function
• The team is spread over a wide geographic footprint, so management of the team will require a high level of emotional intelligence, strong organizational skills, and effective communication
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to provide strategic insights and recommendations

This is a London based role so applicants will need to be able to be office based 2/3 days a week.

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