Senior Director: Global Financial Operations

Overview

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Finance - Operations department in our Chicago office, as a Senior Director: Global Financial Operations. 

 

The Senior Director: Global Financial Operations is responsible for shaping, overseeing and managing the Firm’s operations and operational strategy, inclusive of billing, cash receipts, collections, and accounts payable functions of the Firm globally.

 

The role’s primary responsibilities revolve around strong leadership attributes and demonstrated experience leading a large team by mentorship and example. The ideal candidate should be forward thinking, a change champion, motivating to others, firm and decisive when required, a team builder, an enabler, a collaborator, capable of handling communications with tact and gravitas, and is a fiduciary agent of the Firm and ambassador for the vision of the Chair, Managing Partner, and CFO.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions: 

 

• Responsible for ensuring that the Firm’s operations are running smoothly, efficiently, and effectively, while proactively and promptly keeping the CFO informed about these operations
• Responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls that will ensure that Firm assets are adequately safeguarded, and that financial reporting is prepared in compliance with financial policies
• Directs the management of the monthly closing of the financial operations, ensuring that all activities are executed in a timely manner and in accordance with accounting policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Able to work effectively with senior leaders of the Firm, including the CFO and Firm’s Management Committee regarding areas of operation, including insight into the Firm’s Work in Process and Accounts Receivable balances
• Cultivates a high-performing team through positive leadership, which includes creating a collegial culture, providing guidance and support to team members without micro-managing, and bettering the team through training and other developmental opportunities
• Fosters open communication channels with financial services and other business professional colleagues to ensure alignment with the Firm’s financial and cultural objectives
• Ensures that the department is staffed with qualified financial personnel capable of meeting the objectives of the Firm; responsible for continued development and progression of the department personnel
• Develops close working relationships with the deparments constituency (both lawyers and business professionals) to understand their objectives, concerns and support needs
• Utilizes data-driven insights, KPI’s and metrics to help inform strategic decisions and motivate the team in a positive and competitive manner
• Continuously assesses and refines financial processes; implementing best practices and improvements whenever possible
• Assists and trains partners in understanding their inventory activities and performance
• Advises Firm leadership on cash management strategies and practices and client arrangements
• Stays current on professional accounting principles and best practices by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in relevant professional organizations
• Plans and prepares various presentations to the Firm’s Partnership, Firm Management, business professionals, and other audiences as may be needed
• Prepares various reports and participates in other special projects as requested
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

 

Qualifications

Education/Training/Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
• Degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics strongly preferred