Head of Finance Systems

Head of Finance Systems
London

The Firm
HFW is a sector-focused global law firm. We have over 700 lawyers working across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We take a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business – thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients.

Whether we are solving complex issues within the construction, aviation, or shipping industries, or providing advice across insurance, commodities, and energy, we are specialist lawyers here to add value to our clients. We think about the commercial solution first, and then underpin our advice with a solid foundation of legal expertise.

Job Purpose
This is a key role within the firm which will be responsible for managing a team that supports our global operations and ensures the smooth running and continuous improvement of our finance systems. This position will play a pivotal role in determining our finance systems strategy over the short, medium, and long term. It will also be focused on delivering system upgrades, advising on systems configurations, systems maintenance, and user support and training, all of which is critical to our business as we continue to grow.

The Head of Finance Systems will work closely with other departments, such as Finance and IT, to drive and deliver systems improvements and manage change control across various functional areas.

Candidate
Candidates for this role will be technically proficient in the financial software and systems used within an international law firm. They will have strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage their team and collaborate with various departments. They should possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to identify improvement opportunities. Attention to detail is crucial for accurate financial reporting and maintaining controls. Adaptability, flexibility, and an understanding of accounting practices are also important for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Finance Systems team and ensure it is optimally structured to support the firm and its strategic goals.
• Create the Finance Systems roadmap and ensure that we have a robust Finance Systems strategy in place that continues to develop and meet the firm’s needs.
• Ensure Finance Systems are appropriately maintained and oversee integrations with other business systems. Partner with IT to ensure we have an efficient and cohesive IT ecosystem.
• Drive innovation and efficiency in the way we use Finance Systems and our core accounting system, Elite 3E (version 3.1), migrating to the cloud where appropriate.
• Ensure system upgrades take place with new releases and that processes are in place to thoroughly test the systems to avoid adverse consequences for the firm.
• Overall responsibility for ensuring users are trained in best practices and the effective use of Finance Systems.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and key third parties; ensure effective communication and feedback channels.
• Ensure the Finance Systems are adequately documented with a system in place for users to request updates.
• Oversee key Elite processes such as the month and year-end close, foreign exchange maintenance, and other activities relating to the system.
• Ensure we maintain Finance Systems integrity by running and reviewing month-end reconciliations of financial data and performing systems balancing procedures.
• Present quarterly briefings to senior finance colleagues on systems strategy and other updates.
• Any other ad hoc duties as may be required.

Key Skills & Experience Required

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience of working with finance systems within an international law firm.
• Must have developed a Finance Systems roadmap and strategy within a dynamic business environment.
• Demonstrable track record in developing and motivating a high-performing Finance Systems team.
• Good understanding of accounting practices and financial reporting.
• Highly IT literate.
• Elite 3E experience would be desirable.
• Experience with improving and maintaining Finance Systems.
• Strong project management experience with the ability to handle multiple work streams and prioritize accordingly.
• Ability to build strong working relationships both within and outside of the Finance Systems department, more specifically with the IT department and with international colleagues.
• Ability to work closely with third-party suppliers.
• Excellent communication, inter-personal, and influencing skills.
• Self-motivated and wishing to make a difference, with a track record of achievements.

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