Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

Allen & Overy

3mo ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Banking & Finance
$290K - $350K
New York

Requirements

At least 15 years’ experience in a management and/or operational role in a leading company/firm. Experience of a partnership environment and working in a matrix organization is advantageous.
A very credible individual with gravitas, resilience and high level of intellectual ability who can develop effective working relationships with the ability to credibly influence at all levels, be fast thinking, collaborative and proactive.
Must be a proactive self-starter with drive, enthusiasm, and tenacity, possessing excellent communication skills both written and verbal to clearly explain complex issues both to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
Resilient and enthusiastic individual who is comfortable working with and challenging senior stakeholders to get the right results
Comfortable in a world of ambiguous decision making and consultation, with influencing skills and confidence to advise and consider critical success factors
Excellent project management and organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage high and varied workloads.
Advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills with experience working with large volumes of data in Excel and being able to manipulate this to enable effective decision making and influencing.
Some travel may be required.

Responsibilities

This is a new role will report to the US CFO and will be responsible for:
Managing the three-year investment planning cycle for all US offices and updating practice group forecasts on an ongoing basis.
Monitoring and reporting progress against targets at US, practice group and fee earning department levels and drafting short commentaries.
Reviewing financial projections for lateral partners and other investments and involved in a range of projects that are designed to improve the efficiency and agility of the firm.
Developing relationships with senior finance staff to improve efficiencies, financial analysis models and processes.
Key relationships:
US CFO
US Senior Pricing and Commercial Manger and US Finance Practice Managers and US Financial Controller
US partners and US Human Resources teams
Advanced Delivery team managers (Peerpoint, LSC, etc.)
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Practice Performance Management:
Managing the three-year investment planning cycle for all US offices and updating practice group forecasts on an ongoing basis as circumstances change including headcount movements, productivity levels, and recoveries etc.
Reviewing the annual income, headcount, and equity budgets across all US practice groups and ensuring buy in from the practices and management. Monitoring and reporting progress against targets at US, practice group and fee earning department levels and reviewing targeted monthly commentaries on results.
Providing (i) timely accurate and relevant financial information for decision-making, (ii) profitability forecasting based on multiple levers/potential outcomes, (iii) influencing or offering advice to optimize the desired outcome.
Review financial analysis to support the lateral hiring process taking a macro-economic view of proposals by considering peer group data trends, external market data, and economic indicators within our regional footprint.
Proactively look for ways to improve the US contribution margin and improve overall practice performance.
Partner Performance Management:
Management of the US annual partner compensation process including setting the US timetable, reviewing supporting documentation prepared by team members and working with practice heads and management to complete and sign off.
Reviewing partner performance on an ongoing basis and escalating as necessary.
Ensure team members have a detailed understanding of individual partners and departmental practices and their clients.
Providing training and mentoring on to partners and internal candidates in the partnership selection process to improve their financial nous and performance.
Reporting, resourcing, and project management:
Influence resource management through presentation of information that is timely and informative to senior stakeholders and understanding the financial implications of the resourcing decisions made.
Championing the use of alternative resources including utilizing support at other offices or our Advance Delivery & Solutions offerings such as the Legal Services Centre, Peerpoint, the PMO and Legal Technology
Delivery, design, and preparation of financial presentations and one-off financial analyses as required to support the CFO and firm management.
Stakeholder Management:
Develop close relationships with the Finance Operations and Pricing and Commercial teams and provide backup analysis support as needed.
Develop close relationships with individual partners and those in management roles to ensure that the Finance Team are in the best position to influence commercial outcomes and add value.
Continuously strive to refine and improve financial analysis models and processes, incorporating feedback from internal customers
Provide financial support for internal and external client meetings, determine the nature of the meeting, and provide succinct financial reports to facilitate discussions and pre-empt queries by applying knowledge from prior engagements to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Respond with empathy and understanding to enhance relationships and actively manage expectations and escalate issues where necessary.
Be resilient to deal with challenges from people in the business, with good interpersonal and strong influencing skills.

FAQs

What is the primary goal of the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis position?

The primary goal of the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis is to produce relevant, accurate, and understandable financial information to enable great decision-making within the firm.

What is the importance of building relationships with Partners and decision-makers in the firm in this role?

Building relationships with Partners and decision-makers in the firm is important so they trust the financial advice and analysis provided, ultimately leading to better decision-making processes.

How does the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis contribute to achieving the firm's vision?

The Head of Financial Planning & Analysis contributes to achieving the firm's vision by providing world-class financial information and analysis that enables great decision-making and adds value to the firm.

Allen & Overy

International Law Firm with Global Reach

Law

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

1930

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Allen & Overy is a global law firm that helps the world’s leading businesses to grow, innovate and thrive. For almost a century, we have built a reputation for our commitment to think ahead and bring original solutions to our clients’ most complex legal and commercial challenges. At a time of significant turbulence in the business world, we are determined to help our clients embrace change, confidently expand into new markets and keep on top of ever-more complicated regulatory frameworks. To do this, we will harness our global strength and local knowledge. We will drive towards our vision to become the world's most innovative law firm. And we will continue to create an environment where the brightest minds can flourish.