Senior Director: Global Financial Operations

Company: Mayer Brown
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

OverviewMayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world's major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm's client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Finance - Operations department in our Chicago office, as a Senior Director: Global Financial Operations.The Senior Director: Global Financial Operations is responsible for shaping, overseeing and managing the Firm's operations and operational strategy, inclusive of billing, cash receipts, collections, and accounts payable functions of the Firm globally.The role's primary responsibilities revolve around strong leadership attributes and demonstrated experience leading a large team by mentorship and example. The ideal candidate should be forward thinking, a change champion, motivating to others, firm and decisive when required, a team builder, an enabler, a collaborator, capable of handling communications with tact and gravitas, and is a fiduciary agent of the Firm and ambassador for the vision of the Chair, Managing Partner, and CFO.ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions:

• Responsible for ensuring that the Firm's operations are running smoothly, efficiently, and effectively, while proactively and promptly keeping the CFO informed about these operations
• Responsible for implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls that will ensure that Firm assets are adequately safeguarded, and that financial reporting is prepared in compliance with financial policies
• Directs the management of the monthly closing of the financial operations, ensuring that all activities are executed in a timely manner and in accordance with accounting policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Able to work effectively with senior leaders of the Firm, including the CFO and Firm's Management Committee regarding areas of operation, including insight into the Firm's Work in Process and Accounts Receivable balances
• Cultivates a high-performing team through positive leadership, which includes creating a collegial culture, providing guidance and support to team members without micro-managing, and bettering the team through training and other developmental opportunities
• Fosters open communication channels with financial services and other business professional colleagues to ensure alignment with the Firm's financial and cultural objectives
• Ensures that the department is staffed with qualified financial personnel capable of meeting the objectives of the Firm; responsible for continued development and progression of the department personnel
• Develops close working relationships with the deparments constituency (both lawyers and business professionals) to understand their objectives, concerns and support needs
• Utilizes data-driven insights, KPI's and metrics to help inform strategic decisions and motivate the team in a positive and competitive manner
• Continuously assesses and refines financial processes; implementing best practices and improvements whenever possible
• Assists and trains partners in understanding their inventory activities and performance
• Advises Firm leadership on cash management strategies and practices and client arrangements
• Stays current on professional accounting principles and best practices by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in relevant professional organizations
• Plans and prepares various presentations to the Firm's Partnership, Firm Management, business professionals, and other audiences as may be needed
• Prepares various reports and participates in other special projects as requested
• Performs other duties as assigned or requiredQualificationsEducation/Training/Certifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field required
  • Degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics strongly preferredProfessional Experience:
    • Minimum of ten years professional financial experience required
    • Demonstrated leadership experience required; oversight of large staff preferred
    • Experience in legal/professional services strongly preferredTechnical Skills:
      • Accounting and financial analysis skills required
      • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products required
      • Experience with legal financial software strongly preferred
      • Experience with automated cash disbursement workflow systems strongly preferredPerformance Traits:
        • A trusted leader who has experience leading a team by example; taking responsibility for the team, and pushing credit for work well done
        • Encourages free thought, initiative, and empowers others to take ownership of their responsibilities
        • Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
        • Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
        • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
        • Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
        • Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
        • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
        • Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
        • Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skillsManagement Accountabilities:
          • Manages processes for direct reports regarding performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
          • Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
          • Operational budget analysis and recommendations
          • Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
          • Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
          • Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
          • Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient mannerThe typical pay scale for this position is between $271,300 and $374,400, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate's education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please emailuslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.#LI-DNI #LI-AH1
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Keywords: Mayer Brown, South Bend , Senior Director: Global Financial Operations, Accounting, Auditing , Chicago, Indiana