Head of Finance

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.

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:

• Budgeting and forecasting
• Management reporting
• Working capital analysis and cash management
• Accounting policies and procedures
• Internal financial controls and compliance with SAR rules
• Statutory accounting and audits (internal and external)
• 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:

• Monitoring, Reviewing and Reporting the Financial Performance of the German office to the Local, One Europe and Global Management
• Ensure adherence to Clifford Chance accounting policies and procedures
• 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
• Create an environment for professional development of staff with sufficient training and on-the-job support
• Manage cashiering and client money processes in line with current SOPR (Solicitors Overseas Practicing Rules)
• Manage monthly reviews of the management accounts
• Implement internal and external audit recommendations
• To ensure that the annual budgeting and forecasting process meets global deadlines and that relevant local stakeholders have been appropriately involved
• To manage treasury control, cash flow and funding requirements in conjunction with the Global Treasurer.
• To support local heads with setting and controlling of their budgets
• To manage relationships with the firms external auditors and banking partners
• To manage the relationship with the colleagues in Delhi and optimise the use of the service
• 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
• To assist local management with ad hoc projects/requests requiring financial analysis, e.g. business cases for new offices or lateral partner hires
• To provide training for lawyers and secretaries on financial matters as necessary
• Be an active member of the Business Professional Leaders team in Germany and One Europe and Global Finance teams
• Contribute to the German strategy as part of the One Firm Strategy

Your Experience

Skills:

• Alignment with the vision and values of One Finance
• Ability to initiate projects that add value and support the firm's commercial objectives
• Experience with Oracle Financials or similar systems; familiarity with Hyperion or comparable budgeting/reporting tools preferred
• Fluency in German and English
• Proactive mindset and strong organizational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Analytical and conceptual thinking combined with a "can-do" attitude
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills at all levels

Experience:

• several years of accounting experience, ideally as a Finance Manager or Controller
• Proven track record in management and statutory accounting/reporting, including completion of at least five year-end processes
• Previous leadership experience managing accounting and/or controlling teams, ensuring accurate and timely completion of operational financial activities

Knowledge:

• Awareness of international tax issues within a global professional services context is an advantage

Qualifications:

• Degree-level education and a recognized accounting qualification

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 here.

Interested?

Then we look forward to receiving your online application (in English), including a cover letter, CV and copies of all academic qualifications, along with an idea of your salary expectations and the earliest date you can start.