Head of Accounting, Control, and FP&A, Americas Finance

Clifford Chance is seeking a Head of Accounting, Control, and FP&A, Americas Finance to support the Chief Financial Officer, Americas in achieving the firm's strategic objectives around growth and operational excellence.

The role involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring accurate financial accounting and reporting, effective planning and business partnering, and robust internal controls.

Key responsibilities include:

• Financial reporting: reviewing and presenting monthly, quarterly, and annual financials, and providing insightful financial analysis and reporting to senior management.
• Budgets and forecasts: leading the annual budgeting process, working closely with product groups and department heads on financial forecasts, and analysing variances between actual results and budget/forecast.
• Investment appraisal: evaluating investment opportunities, preparing detailed financial models, conducting cost-benefit analysis, and performing risk assessments.
• Business partnering: collaborating with budget holders, providing financial insights and early escalation of risks that impact profitability.
• Audit and internal controls: coordinating with external auditors, implementing and maintaining robust internal controls, and conducting internal audits as necessary.
• Escrow, client monies, and cashiers: overseeing the management of Escrow accounts and client monies, working with global/offshore teams to monitor cash flow and managing banking relationships.
• Month-end close activities: leading the month-end close process, working with global/offshore teams to prepare and review journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial reports.
• Process improvement: identifying opportunities for process improvements within the finance function and the Americas, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Leadership and team development: mentoring the finance team, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their professional goals, and encouraging continuous learning and development.

The ideal candidate will be a CPA/CMA qualified accountant with 10+ years of experience in a dynamic growing work environment, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.