This great law firm, one of the largest in Canada, is looking for a Director to complete its Finance and Administration team.
The key responsibilities associated with this position include:
Finance Department
-Assist the Chief Financial Officer; Ensure that financial transactions are carried out in an efficient and consistent manner to support the management of practice groups and the firm's strategic vision.
-Adequately and insightfully supervise regional financial activities.
-Demonstrate leadership in making the necessary changes to successfully implement processes and systems across the country.
-Participate in special projects and produce reports in support of the firm's strategic plan.
-Formulate guidelines on annual administration budgets and ensure that investment decisions are made taking into account established thresholds.
-Regularly present results to the Regional Managing Partner (RMP) and identifies issues, trends and opportunities.
-Identify ways to reduce costs and optimize expenses.
-Manage sanctions, ensure that quarterly objectives are met and escalate issues to senior management.
-Ensure the proper management of working capital at the regional level in collaboration with the team's management, and manage related escalations, in conjunction with the lawyers.
-Provide general management of the Montreal finance team.
Financial activities
-Demonstrate leadership in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and risk management to engage and guide the team, as well as support regional financial activities.
-Coordinate and manage office teams to improve accounting functions.
-Manage trusts.
-Collaborate with the appropriate team to manage escalations of billing, collection and collection files that require intervention with lawyers who are experiencing difficulties in managing their working capital.
-Follow up on accounts payable.
-Examine the balance sheet.
-Manage financial operations (audit notices, GL entries and reconciliations, approval of partners' compensation).
-Coordinate the annual regional audit.
-Provide guidance on budget forecasts and regional budgets.
-Oversee tax filings and compliance reports.
-Assist the partners, in the context of their arrival in their position for example, and answer their questions of a tax and financial nature, in particular capital borrowings and payments.
Administration
-In collaboration with the appropriate management, oversee and be responsible for the activities related to the administrative functions of the Montréal office, ensure the delivery of effective and efficient quality services, and assist the office's legal services and professionals. (Administrative functions include the national expenditure management software and any centres of excellence established in the region to provide centralized administrative support services.)
Operational efficiency
-Manage administrative support functions in accordance with the COO's mandate for shared services, the RMP's objectives for the region and the firm's objectives.
-Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the administration organization to improve the firm's performance and efficiency.
-Review methodologies and improve them.
Communication and integration
-Meet regularly with the RMP, Regional Group Managers and Regional Management to discuss issues and new avenues to support office managers and national administrative processes, by coordinating or actively participating in meetings and committees (Regional Management Committee, Admission Advisory Committee, Regional Managers' Meetings).
-Facilitate decision-making and problem solving for all administrative teams.
-Ensure effective communication of office management functions to coordinate activities to meet the needs of the firm's professionals.
-Maintain liaison with national case managers to ensure that legal support services meet the needs and expectations of legal professionals.
Professional Development and Recruitment
-Encourage, monitor and support the professional development and ongoing training of administrative managers to develop appropriate skills.
-Ensure the efficiency of administrative teams by optimizing their structure, staffing and resource allocation.
Performance Appraisal and Compensation
-Assist the Regional Compensation Advisory Committee with the annual performance and compensation review process.
-In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Talent Officer, make recommendations with respect to the evaluation and compensation of staff.
Main requirements
-University or post-secondary degree in business administration, commerce or economics or a related field and 10 years of relevant experience in positions of increasing responsibility
-Professional designation (CPA-CA, CPA-CMA or CPA-CGA)
-Proven experience in establishing financial and administrative policies, processes and guidelines in an environment focused on continuous improvement
-In-depth knowledge of financial and administrative management and operations in a professional services firm
-Proven experience in financial systems in multi-regional and complex environments
-Experience in a professional services firm with offices in multiple regions
-A track record of consistency and success, combined with strong credibility and proven competence in delivering results
-Proven ability to solve complex problems, great ability to convince and influence others
-Excellent leadership skills, including communication and career coaching
-Strong technical skills
-Knowledge of Aderant Expert, an asset
Does this challenge live up to your expectations? We look forward to your application!