Job Description
Job Purpose
The Finance team has the vision to be one global team connected within a robust control environment, collaborating to deliver value for clients and colleagues across the Firm. The Head of Finance, Germany leads and manages the local office Accounting, Controlling, Commercial Management and overseas the finance areas including: budgeting and forecasting, management re-porting, working capital analysis, cash management, accounting policies and procedures, internal financial controls, adherence to SAR rules, statutory accounting, internal and external audits, payroll and working closely with global tax team and local office tax partner.
What to Expect
Our Finance team strives to operate as one global unit within a robust control environment, collaborating to deliver value for clients and colleagues across the Firm. As Head of Finance, you will lead and manage the German Accounting, Controlling, and Commercial Management functions. You will oversee all finance-related areas, including:
1. Budgeting and forecasting
2. Management reporting
3. Working capital analysis and cash management
4. Accounting policies and procedures
5. Internal financial controls and compliance with SAR rules
6. Statutory accounting and audits (internal and external)
7. Payroll and close collaboration with the global and German tax team
Key Responsibilities:
The role of the Head of Finance, Germany is primarily focussed on:
8. Monitoring, Reviewing and Reporting the Financial Performance of the German office to the Local, One Europe and Global Management
9. Ensure adherence to Clifford Chance accounting policies and procedures
10. Act as the primary contact for German offices on all group reporting matters and ensure timely completion of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements
11. Create an environment for professional development of staff with sufficient training and on-the-job support
12. Manage cashiering and client money processes in line with current SOPR (Solicitors Overseas Practicing Rules)
13. Manage monthly reviews of the management accounts
14. Implement internal and external audit recommendations
15. To ensure that the annual budgeting and forecasting process meets global deadlines and that relevant local stakeholders have been appropriately involved
16. To manage treasury control, cash flow and funding requirements in conjunction with the Global Treasurer.
17. To support local heads with setting and controlling of their budgets
18. To manage relationships with the firms external auditors and banking partners
19. To manage the relationship with the colleagues in Delhi and optimise the use of the service
20. Actively participate in the global and regional committees and ensure continued improvement of working practices and control mechanisms, each with a focus on optimising and ensuring efficient processes
21. To assist local management with ad hoc projects/requests requiring financial analysis, business cases for new offices or lateral partner hires
22. To provide training for lawyers and secretaries on financial matters as necessary
23. Be an active member of the Business Professional Leaders team in Germany and One Europe and Global Finance teams
24. Contribute to the German strategy as part of the One Firm Strategy
Qualifications
Your Experience
Skills:
25. Alignment with the vision and values of One Finance
26. Ability to initiate projects that add value and support the firm’s commercial objectives
27. Experience with Oracle Financials or similar systems; familiarity with Hyperion or comparable budgeting/reporting tools preferred
28. Fluency in German and English
29. Proactive mindset and strong organizational skills
30. Meticulous attention to detail
31. Excellent communication skills
32. Analytical and conceptual thinking combined with a “can-do” attitude
33. Strong influencing and relationship-building skills at all levels
Experience:
34. several years of accounting experience, ideally as a Finance Manager or Controller
35. Proven track record in management and statutory accounting/reporting, including completion of at least five year-end processes
36. Previous leadership experience managing accounting and/or controlling teams, ensuring accurate and timely completion of operational financial activities
Knowledge:
37. Awareness of international tax issues within a global professional services context is an advantage
Qualifications:
38. Degree-level education and a recognized accounting qualification
Company Description
Who we are
We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.
Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.
You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.
Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.
Additional Information
Equal opportunities
At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.
We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.
We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.
Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.
Find out more about our inclusive culture .
Interested?