Finance Manager

Finance Manager – Steptoe LLP

The Finance Manager will play a key role in managing the firm’s annual budget process, financial forecasting, and performance monitoring. This position requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of law firm economics, and the ability to partner effectively with practice group leaders, administrative departments, and senior management. This role will ensure financial discipline while supporting the firm’s growth and profitability objectives.

• Present complex financial information in a clear, concise manner to non-financial stakeholders. Respond to ad-hoc requests from firm management and practice group leaders for financial analyses and reports.
• Provide financial modeling for potential business initiatives, lateral hires, and expansion opportunities.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable plans and ensure timely execution across departments.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead or support cross‑functional projects involving Finance, Accounting, IT, and other departments.
• Track progress on key initiatives and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants as needed.
• Responsible for managing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic analysis.
• Produce timely and accurate financial reports for firm leadership and practice group leaders to aid in decision‑making and strategy development.
• Develop financial models and reporting to identify trends and issues; formulate recommendations and strategies for improving performance.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes, developing and monitoring budgets, forecasts, and financial plans to support the firm’s objectives and initiatives. Monitor adherence to budgets and provide variance analysis with actionable recommendations.
• Monitor and report on financial performance against budget and key metrics, including realization rates, utilization, and practice profitability. Monitor progress against economic targets and goals and initiate follow‑up, as needed.
• Respond to survey requests and provide analysis of results against peer firms.
• Facilitate decision‑making by preparing briefing materials, synthesizing data, and coordinating stakeholder input.
• Identify and implement process improvements in systems and reporting. Evaluate and deploy technologies to streamline operations.
• Build relationships across the firm to facilitate collaboration and information flow.
• Manage the accounting team and provide guidance to ensure optimal performance and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, legal regulations, and internal policies.
• Establish and maintain financial controls and procedures.
• Support internal communications and change management efforts related to financial operations.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement within the Finance department.
• Work on projects as assigned by the Firm Chair, Firm Vice Chair, and CFO.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CPA, or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in finance, consulting, legal operations, or executive leadership support, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Deep understanding of law firm financial operations, partnership structures, and legal industry metrics.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Elite 3E and Power BI a plus.

• Confidence and tact in communicating with senior partners, board members, and external stakeholders.

• High self‑awareness and empathy to manage relationships and read the room effectively.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and navigate firm politics with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust across diverse teams and personalities.