Director of Finance

Cassiday Schade LLP (CS) is a mid-sized litigation defense law firm headquartered in Chicago, with a presence throughout the Midwest. The Firm focuses on providing its clients with exceptional and efficient representation. With experience in virtually all areas of civil litigation, CS has a diverse client base, and its attorneys provide companies of various sizes with legal counseling and comprehensive case handling services. CS represents individuals and entities in a variety of industries, including health care, long-term care, insurance, manufacturing, construction, professional services and transportation.

Overview:

CS is seeking an enthusiastic, personable professional to join its executive team! This detail-oriented individual will be responsible for the fiscal affairs of the Firm including analysis and planning (both short and long term), managing the budget process and accounting functions. The Director of Finance will function as strategic business partner, reporting directly to the Firm’s Managing Partners and Executive Committee. This person must possess the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate and provide practical solutions to challenges thus contributing to the Firm’s success. This role will require emotional intelligence to be an effective departmental leader providing support and mentorship to the Accounting Department as well as similar support throughout the Firm.

Key Success Factors:

· Accountability: Create a culture committed to duty, responsibility and success

· Business Partner: Suffice as a critical thinker, anticipate needs and contribute to discussions on matters of significance and make appropriate recommendations

· Collaboration: Work together with other Firm executives to generate ideas, vet alternatives and implement solutions that work well for all involved

· Communication: Communicate concisely and effectively in both verbal and written form; be responsive and follow-up / through

· Enhancing Employee Development & Experience: Foster a supportive employee culture and develop a skilled workforce that provides job satisfaction through coaching, mentoring and training

· Influential Leader: Mentor and motivate the team (and others) to achieve desired results efficiently and effectively while providing exemplary internal and external client service regarding financial issues across all levels of the organization

· Innovator: Identify opportunities for improvement; develop and implement creative solutions mindful of risks vs. reward

· Ownership of the Financial Process: Safeguard the strength of the Firm’s financial position by ensuring the proper infrastructure is in place while creating the expectation of success

Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Transformation

• Assess the current state of the finance and accounting function and lead a comprehensive departmental improvement plan
• Oversee all financial functions, including accounting, payroll, billing and 401(k) plan administration
• Assess the current financial system to ensure it is scalable and aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives
• Establish clear financial governance that emphasizes accountability, and quality control reporting standards
• Attend and participate in monthly Executive Committee meetings serving a trusted financial advisor to firm leadership and partners

Accounting, Controls & Compliance

· Review current accounting policies and procedures for proper alignment with best‐practice and strong internal controls around billing, collections, trust/IOLTA accounts, expense management, and cash flow

• Ensure compliance with firm operating procedures, partner compensation structures and both firm‐specific and outside regulatory requirements
• Oversee month‐end, quarter‐end, and year‐end close processes with a focus on improved accuracy and timeliness

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Coordinate and facilitate the annual budget, forecasting, and variance analysis processes
• Lead the Finance team in providing timely reports to management and partners providi