Varnum LLP seeks to hire a Finance Director to join our Accounting team in the Grand Rapids office. We are excited to offer this opportunity to join a respected, successful group of staff and attorneys at one of Michigan's premier law firms. The Finance Director will manage and direct all day-to-day accounting operations and supervise a team of 12 staff members including functional responsibility over general ledger, financial reporting, accounts payable, billing/accounts receivable, collections and payroll.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Collaborate with Executive Director to develop and present comprehensive, timely financial analysis/reports for firm leadership.
Collaborate with Executive Director to establish, monitor and implement financial policies and procedures.
Create metrics that monitor firm goals.
Maintain internal control processes over all accounting functions.
Manage banking relationships.
Work directly with an outside accounting firm on tax planning and year-end tax preparation.
Responsible for annual retirement plan audit, required plan testing and preparation of related form 5500's.
Oversee the year-end close of books and all related compliance reporting (W-2s, 1099s, property tax returns).
Manage utilization of accounting and billing software platform.
Prepare financial statements and related analysis for distribution to various audiences.
Prepare and present annual financial budget. Prepare related cost accounting detail in support of various profitability analysis.
Annual renewal of business insurance policies, including general liability, property, umbrella, workers compensation, and cyber liability.
Create weekly, monthly and ad hoc financial analytics utilized to manage firm’s operational and strategic direction.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education:
BS in Accounting required
CPA certification strongly preferred
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in a law firm or professional accounting services environment required.
Skills/Abilities:
Strong administrative, management and leadership skills. Capable of working with limited direction, providing leadership and strategic guidance to the accounting team.
Demonstrated ability to think analytically, problem solve, exercise good judgement, make decisions and initiate action.
Proficient with cost accounting concepts necessary to analyze the profitability of various lines of professional services.
Excellent oral and written skills to communicate complex information and ideas tactfully and effectively to personnel at all levels of the firm.
Strong interpersonal skills to create a firm-minded atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, openness, encourage resourcefulness, and collaborate as a team.
Knowledgeable and conversant in current technology and applications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Excel required.
Effective and professional level communication skills (written and oral), in order to effectively communicate with attorneys, staff, clients, and vendors.
Varnum LLP is a full-service business law firm with 180 lawyers and eight offices across Michigan and a recently opened location in Naples, Florida. We are recognized by our firm members, clients and communities for responsive service, practical advice, quality work, and a team-oriented, entrepreneurial culture.
