Manager of Finance & Administration
Reporting to the Partnership, the Manager of Finance & Administration will be a key member of the Firm’s leadership team, with overall responsibility for the effective and efficient management of the Firm’s financial, administrative, human resources and technology functions. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership while maintaining hands-on oversight of the Firm’s day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Leadership
- Provide overall leadership and oversight of the Firm’s day-to-day operations.
- Overall management of the Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, administrative and technology functions of the Firm.
- Lead, guide and support the Firm’s Accounting, HR and administrative teams, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented and high-performing environment.
- Recruit, train, develop and manage staff as required to support the Firm’s operational objectives.
- Work closely with the Partnership and various practice groups to identify operational needs and implement effective solutions.
- Liaise with the Firm’s landlord and building management on facilities and building-related initiatives.
- Manage the Firm’s professional liability, cyber and commercial insurance programs, including renewals and ongoing administration.
Finance & Accounting
- Work closely with the Partnership on financial matters and strategic planning.
- Provide leadership and oversight of the Firm’s financial management and accounting functions.
- Oversee year-end financial reporting and coordinate with external accountants and auditors.
- Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies and procedures are established, maintained and continuously improved.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, cash flow management, reconciliations and banking activities.
- Oversee the Firm’s billing processes and administration of client billing portals.
- Ensure compliance with Law Society trust accounting and reporting requirements.
- Calculate, maintain and report on Partner remuneration and related financial information.
- Ensure all government remittances, filings and regulatory requirements are completed accurately and on a timely basis.
- Manage banking and key vendor relationships.
- Prepare and oversee timely monthly financial reporting, including key performance indicators and AP/AR reporting.
- Monitor the Firm’s financial performance and provide meaningful analysis and recommendations to the Partnership.
- Develop, implement and maintain financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
- Actively monitor the Firm’s cash flow and liquidity to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet operational requirements.
- Support the Partnership with budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and other strategic financial initiatives.
Human Resources
- Oversee the Firm’s payroll process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance with applicable requirements.
- Manage the Firm’s employee benefits programs and compensation processes, including bonus calculations and related reporting.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management and offboarding of staff.
- Provide leadership and guidance on employee relations, workplace policies and HR matters.
- Work closely with the Partnership to ensure effective staffing, performance and resource allocation.
Technology & Systems
- Work with the Partnership and staff to identify technology and systems needs and opportunities for improvement.
- Participate on ongoing technology, software and systems development initiatives.
- Oversee the Firm’s relationship with external IT consultants and service providers.
- Ensure technology systems and processes effectively support the Firm’s operational and business needs.
Profile of the Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a strategic, hands-on and highly organized leader who is comfortable working in a professional services environment and managing a broad range of responsibilities.
- CPA, CMA or CGA designation preferred.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
- Previous experience in a senior management or executive leadership role within a professional services firm.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing finance, accounting, human resources and operations.
- Strong controllership, financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting experience.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities and drive operational improvements.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial controls, cash flow management and regulatory compliance.
- Experience with legal accounting and practice management systems; experience with GhostPractice and PCLaw is considered an asset.
- Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
- High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion and sound judgment.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organization and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the Partnership and Firm leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to identify issues, develop practical solutions and implement change effectively.
Salary Range
- $120,000 to $150,000 range, depending on scope and experience.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance and administration professional to play a significant leadership role in a well-respected law firm. As Manager of Finance & Administration, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the Partnership and contribute directly to the Firm’s continued growth, financial success and operational excellence.
