Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Cassiday Schade LLP (CS) is a mid-sized litigation defense law firm headquartered in Chicago, with a presence throughout the Midwest. The Firm focuses on providing its clients with exceptional and efficient representation. With experience in virtually all areas of civil litigation, CS has a diverse client base, and its attorneys provide companies of various sizes with legal counseling and comprehensive case handling services. CS represents individuals and entities in a variety of industries, including health care, long-term care, insurance, manufacturing, construction, professional services and transportation.

Overview:

CS is seeking an enthusiastic, personable professional to join its executive team! This detail-oriented individual will be responsible for the fiscal affairs of the Firm including analysis and planning (both short and long term), managing the budget process and accounting functions. The Director of Finance will function as strategic business partner, reporting directly to the Firm’s Managing Partners and Executive Committee. This person must possess the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate and provide practical solutions to challenges thus contributing to the Firm’s success. This role will require emotional intelligence to be an effective departmental leader providing support and mentorship to the Accounting Department as well as similar support throughout the Firm.

Key Success Factors:

· Accountability: Create a culture committed to duty, responsibility and success

· Business Partner: Suffice as a critical thinker, anticipate needs and contribute to discussions on matters of significance and make appropriate recommendations

· Collaboration: Work together with other Firm executives to generate ideas, vet alternatives and implement solutions that work well for all involved

· Communication: Communicate concisely and effectively in both verbal and written form; be responsive and follow-up / through

· Enhancing Employee Development & Experience: Foster a supportive employee culture and develop a skilled workforce that provides job satisfaction through coaching, mentoring and training

· Influential Leader: Mentor and motivate the team (and others) to achieve desired results efficiently and effectively while providing exemplary internal and external client service regarding financial issues across all levels of the organization

· Innovator: Identify opportunities for improvement; develop and implement creative solutions mindful of risks vs. reward

· Ownership of the Financial Process: Safeguard the strength of the Firm’s financial position by ensuring the proper infrastructure is in place while creating the expectation of success

Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Transformation

• Assess the current state of the finance and accounting function and lead a comprehensive departmental improvement plan
• Oversee all financial functions, including accounting, payroll, billing and 401(k) plan administration
• Assess the current financial system to ensure it is scalable and aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives
• Establish clear financial governance that emphasizes accountability, and quality control reporting standards
• Attend and participate in monthly Executive Committee meetings serving a trusted financial advisor to firm leadership and partners

Accounting, Controls & Compliance

· Review current accounting policies and procedures for proper alignment with best‐practice and strong internal controls around billing, collections, trust/IOLTA accounts, expense management, and cash flow

• Ensure compliance with firm operating procedures, partner compensation structures and both firm‐specific and outside regulatory requirements
• Oversee month‐end, quarter‐end, and year‐end close processes with a focus on improved accuracy and timeliness

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Coordinate and facilitate the annual budget, forecasting, and variance analysis processes
• Lead the Finance team in providing timely reports to management and partners providing information on utilization, billing, realization and providing visibility into matter revenue
• Lead and manage the Finance team in creating and delivering management reports that help drive decisions regarding resources and ensure that the firm is on track to meeting monthly, quarterly, and annual objectives
• Enhance profitability analysis to provide visibility to performance by practice area, client, matter, and attorney

· Provided analysis, forecasting, scenario modeling, insights to help drive decisions regarding resources to support growth, lateral hires, and strategic investments

Systems, Process & Infrastructure Improvement

• Continuous assessment of financial systems to optimize the ability to meet the changing needs of the firm and its clients
• Design and implement any necessary changes in infrastructure or processes to maximize efficiency, transparency, and scalability
• Partner with IT and outside vendors to ensure systems support firm operations and growth

Team Leadership & Development

· Lead, coach, and develop the finance and accounting team

· Clarify roles, responsibilities, and workflows within the department

· Foster through example a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and professionalism

Qualifications & Experience:

Required

· Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred

· 10+ years of progressive finance/accounting leadership experience

· Law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred

· Proven track record of implementing best‐practices and establishing strong internal controls, policies, and procedures

· Demonstrated success in department turnaround, process improvement, and control implementation

· Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Aderant, Chrome River) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills

· Strong knowledge of partnership accounting, billing, collections, and trust accounting

· Experience working directly with executive leadership, partners and management peers

· Hands‐on, solution-oriented leader with an eye detail equally comfortable operating in strategic and tactical capacities

Key Competencies

• Ability to lead change and effectuate improvement in a financial environment
• Strong Internal controls & risk management skills
• Adeptness in interpreting complex financial information and communicating with Executive management, partners and stakeholders
• Proficiency in exploiting current technologies to maximize return on investment
• Solution oriented thinking with practical execution skills