Assistant Director of Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis - Mayer Brown LLP

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, and diverse 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 Accounting and Analysis department in our Chicago office, as an Assistant Director of Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis.

The Assistant Director acts as trusted advisor to the Global Director, CFO and other senior leaders on financial matters. Equally as important, the Assistant Director provides leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development while forging a strong relationship with the Accounting and FP&A teams and other groups across the Firm (other financial services, BD&M, HR, IT, etc). Oversee and enhance the Firm-wide accounting function and support Firm-wide strategic financial planning and analysis activities.

Essential Functions:

• Accounting
  • Responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls that will ensure that company assets are adequately safeguarded and that financial reporting is prepared in compliance with the Firm’s financial policies and/or statutory requirements
  • Responsible for strong balance sheet hygiene
  • Oversight over the general accounting function, which includes inter-company accounting, cash management/reconciliation, financial reporting, etc.
  • Oversight of the management of the monthly closing of the financial systems, ensuring that all activities are executed in a timely manner and in accordance with accounting policies, procedures, and guidelines
  • Oversees work relating to both internal and external audits in the periodic review of the company financial records. Is further responsible for the implementation of agreed upon recommendations, related to areas of responsibility, resulting from the audit findings.
  • Partner with accounting & other business service staff across various office & departments to provide counsel, financial accounting training and support
• Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Support entire annual budgeting process ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities (including analysis and recommendations of departmental expense budgets and monthly spreads; capital expense budget; and attorney headcount budgets)
  • Analyze Firm-wide financial performance against strategic goals, providing meaningful insight and identifying areas for improvement
  • Manage required reporting and analysis for the various segments of the business i.e. Practice Groups, Accelerated Growth Groups, etc.
  • Develop and maintain financial models and analysis to support key business decisions including cash outlook and forecasting, capital allocation and other strategic objectives
  • Develop and maintain long-term financial forecasts for strategic planning purposes
• Other
• • Drive transformation of relevant financial systems, policies and processes to support the evolving needs of the Firm
  • Engage with the Finance and Enterprise Data Strategy Programs as needed
  • Continuously improves their skillset by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations
  • Perform other ad-hoc activities

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field
• Advanced degree in Business/Finance/Accounting and/or CPA is a plus

Professional Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in FP&A, Accounting or Business Analytics required
• Previous supervisory or lead experience required

Technical Skills:

• Excellent Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills required
• Strong executive presence
• SQL, Aderant, TM1 and Iridium experience (or equivalent system) preferred

Performance Traits:

• People developer
• Leader who takes responsibility and pushes credit; encourages free thought and empowers the team to take ownership
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and quantitative skills, with exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to “think outside the box” and embrace continuous change
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on effectively articulating ideas, results of financial analysis and actionable recommendations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively cultivate relationships with cross-functional colleagues and business leaders
• Ability to handle confidential information and exercise sound judgement

Management Accountabilities:

• A leader and mentor to the finance team
• Manage process for direct reports with respect to performance evaluations, annual compensation and setting goals
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate efficiently

Physical Requirements:

• May require travel to other offices as needed

The typical pay scale for this position is between $151,400 and $200,200, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified. 

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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