Director of Finance and Operations - Gravel & Shea

• Client: Gravel & Shea
• Website: https://gravelshea.com/
• Job Title: Director of Finance and Operations
• Location: Burlington, Vermont

About the Firm

Gravel & Shea is a full-service, mid-sized law firm located in Burlington, Vermont, with a history spanning almost 70 years. As one of Vermont’s leading law firms, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals through our diverse practice areas, including Corporate & Business, Employment, Trust and Estate Planning, Family Law, Litigation, and Real Estate. Our culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and a client-centric approach, creating an environment where teamwork and expertise thrive to ensure the highest level of service and dedication to our clients.

About this Position

Gravel & Shea is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations with strong management and leadership experience, willing to take a hands-on approach as necessary. This dynamic position encompasses both strategic and tactical responsibilities across finance and operations for our 40-person firm. Key priorities include long-term planning, financial goal setting, and comprehensive oversight of all financial and office operations. The Director will play a pivotal role in guiding our firm's long-term financial health and operational excellence while actively contributing to the day-to-day success of the organization.

Responsibilities

Finance

• Develops and oversees the annual budget, along with preparing monthly revenue reports to track financial performance.
• Manages budget variances and implements cost control measures to optimize financial resources.
• Assists in client accounting operations, including overseeing the timekeeping program and managing accounts receivable to ensure timely collections.
• Responsible for maintaining and administering banking and trust accounts to uphold financial integrity and compliance.
• Prepares accurate and timely monthly financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement) for review by firm management and stakeholders.
• Coordinates accounting processes for real estate and corporate closings, facilitating the preparation of wires and checks from the firm’s IOLTA account.
• Supervises the firm’s bookkeeping functions, ensuring meticulous reconciliation of bank statements, meticulous review of expenses, and authorization of vendor payments.
• Compiles mid-year and year-end attorney compensation data, generating comprehensive distribution reports for partners.
• Conducts various financial analyses, including revenue, expense, client origination, and other reporting to support strategic decision-making.
• Develops and implements Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in collaboration with HR Manager, tailored to practice groups to monitor performance and drive productivity.
• Sets clear financial goals aligned with firm objectives, ensuring alignment and accountability across the firm.

 Operations

• Acts as a strategic partner to firm management, identifying and analyzing issues and trends in human resources, financial management, and operations to support informed decision-making.
• Oversees office renovations, maintenance, and repairs to ensure a safe and functional work environment.
• Collaborates with insurance brokers to evaluate, select, and maintain appropriate insurance policies that mitigate risks and protect firm assets.
• Develops and implements operational policies to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Lead and implement comprehensive succession planning strategies in collaboration with HR Manager, ensuring smooth transitions and continuity in leadership roles to sustain long-term organizational stability and growth.
• Oversees the Human Resources Manager, providing leadership and guidance in recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, and employee relations to support effective personnel operations and development.

Skills and Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in business management, finance, or a related field, with at least 5 years of progressive experience, preferably in a legal or professional services environment; OR a combination of education and related working experience demonstrating comparable knowledge and skills. 
• Proven experience in accurately preparing, interpreting, and communicating financial data and statements.
• Experience in strategic financial planning and goal setting aligned wit