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