At a Glance
- Tasks: Support practice groups with financial expertise and strategic leadership to enhance performance.
- Company: Join DLA Piper, a leading global law firm with a collaborative finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive and innovative workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your financial acumen.
- Qualifications: ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified with experience in finance partnering and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
DLA Piper are looking for a commercially minded professional to join as a Finance Business Partner who will be a key part of our Finance Business Partnering team sitting within the Finance function. The successful candidate will primarily support an individual practice group but will work across the matrix (countries and sectors) and should gain an understanding of service area performance.
The firm is split across seven practice groups, each with a presence throughout the International offices. Each group is a separate area of law with its own management structure. The Finance Business Partner team work closely with the business to provide budget assurance, performance improvement, strategic financial leadership and proactive financial support to the International Group Heads and Group Head of Operations in managing their Practice Groups.
You will be an experienced commercial finance professional, who can demonstrate strong written and verbal communication and the required soft skills to work effectively with stakeholders, quickly developing a trusted adviser status.
Main duties and responsibilities- Serving as the key financial interface between the international practice group management and the Finance department.
- Proactively working with International Practice Group Heads, their leadership teams and partners to provide financial expertise and support, e.g. effective and regular presentations at partner meetings, identifying and leading initiatives to improve financial performance relating to profitability, working capital and financial efficiency.
- Working with colleagues across the Finance function in leading the delivery of the finance curriculum agenda for the lawyers, including mentoring and training to newly promoted partners / laterals / promotion candidates / new firm joiners and presenting at firmwide learning academies for fee earners at all levels from trainee through to partner.
- Providing necessary financial support to ensure strategic business development, client retention and increased client profitability within the practice groups.
- Supporting the pricing team including presentations to key stakeholders to increase internal use of the pricing team, the toolsets and broaden commercial awareness around pricing and delivering profitable work.
- Encouraging broader and better use of the Firm's tools to develop more profitable and consistent pricing approaches.
- Work in conjunction with the credit control and local finance teams, to ensure visibility of any issues within the practice group and assist in finding a resolution.
- Being able to clearly articulate any financial or business risks, or significant working capital issues.
- Liaise with budget holders to support their understanding of their results and work with them to monitor costs.
- Support and lead the annual planning and budgeting process for the practice group and support the delivery and maintenance of group led strategic plans.
- Contribute to the wider commercial review and playback of the budget to the Finance Leadership Team and contribute to the presentation of the firmwide budget for approval by Executive and Board.
- Undertaking the reforecasting process to actively monitor and manage financial risks and opportunities for the practice group and provide an updated view of trading to management.
- Enabling the practice group to achieve its objectives, make decisions and plan appropriately through the effective understanding and use of financial analysis.
- Interpretation of monthly finance MI into insightful commentary, analysis, and articulation of required management actions.
- Monitoring performance against long-term strategic and short-term operational plans and assisting the partners to formulate the necessary actions to be taken to achieve agreed financial targets.
- Working on ad‑hoc projects including financial modelling for required initiatives, such as lateral hires, partner promotions, practice area and geographic expansion.
- Monthly reporting for the Executive and Board, highlighting key issues for discussion and proposing actions/solutions.
- In conjunction with Commercial Finance Business Partner colleagues, supporting the Head of Finance Business Partnering in the overall financial management of the practice areas including conducting thorough annual financial reviews.
- Supporting the development of the Finance Analysts through mentoring and guidance.
- ACCA / ACA / CIMA qualified with proven PQE experience.
- Finance Business Partnering experience with senior stakeholders (ideally within a professional services business, but would consider similar experience in other sectors).
- A high degree of commercial acumen with exceptional analysis and financial modelling skills and evidence of applied strategic thinking/planning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and has strength of personality to ensure the Finance view is clearly communicated.
- Capable and confident in presenting to large audiences face‑to‑face or via technology.
- The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
- Well‑developed soft skills with the gravitas to influence or challenge senior stakeholders when necessary and to gain respect as a trusted advisor.
- A continuous improvement mentality to support development of self, colleagues and business processes and interactions.
- Attention to detail as well as an ability to see the bigger picture which considers any cross‑business implications.
- Excellent time management skills, able to manage stakeholders during times of conflicting deliverables and proven experience of delivering on simultaneous tasks.
- Excellent Excel, PowerPoint and Word skills.
- Great team working skills and a passion for delivering results.
- Ability to flex working style to collaborate across functions and geographies and adapt to change.
Finance Business Partner employer: DLA Piper
DLA Piper is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Finance Business Partners play a crucial role in driving financial performance across international practice groups. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training programmes and mentoring opportunities, fostering both personal and career growth. The collaborative culture encourages innovation and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for finance professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its practice groups. Understand their financial performance and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being a Finance Business Partner at DLA Piper.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to communicate complex financial information clearly. Grab a friend or family member and run through your key points. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform in front of stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Let’s get you that Finance Business Partner role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your commercial acumen and financial analysis expertise.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written and verbal communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. Don’t forget to mention any experience you have presenting to stakeholders or leading discussions.
Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, provide examples of how you've contributed to financial planning or performance improvement in previous roles. This will show us that you can think strategically and add value to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at DLA Piper
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the practice groups and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. This shows you understand the business and can provide valuable insights.
✨Master Your Presentation Skills
You'll likely be presenting to senior stakeholders, so practice your presentation skills. Use clear visuals and concise language to convey complex financial information. Consider doing mock presentations with friends or colleagues to build confidence and receive feedback.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Developing trusted relationships is crucial. Before the interview, think about how you can connect with the interviewers. Research their backgrounds and the practice groups they manage. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building these relationships in your role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've identified financial issues and implemented solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will highlight your analytical skills and ability to drive performance improvement.
