At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global finance operations, budgeting, and reporting for a dynamic international law firm.
- Company: Kennedys, a leading global law firm with a hybrid working culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and drive innovation in financial processes.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategy and governance in a global setting.
- Qualifications: Professional finance qualification and extensive experience in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Global Finance Director to lead and integrate Kennedys financial planning and analysis, consolidated financial reporting and audit functions across all regions. This is a critical senior finance role with direct impact on profitability, growth, and governance, reporting directly to the CFO and partnering with executive leadership and regional finance leaders.
Kennedys is operating a hybrid working policy offering the opportunity to work from home and the office. Team Kennedys Finance supports the firm globally through the delivery of timely, accurate financial and management information, commercial insight, reporting solutions and operational support that underpin decision-making across the business. The team plays a key role in enabling sustainable growth, improving performance and maintaining the high standard of service provided to the firm's internal and external clients.
Our Finance function includes Financial Reporting, Tax, Treasury, Business Intelligence, Business Partnering and Analytics, Procurement, Finance Systems and Financial Operations, working in partnership with practice and business services leaders across the firm's international network. Kennedys operates across the UK, EMEA, LATAM, APAC and the US, and this role will play a key part in delivering consistent, high-quality financial operations across the firm's international office network.
Key Responsibilities- Global Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Lead global budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes.
- Deliver consolidated financial insights to the CFO, Executive Committee, regional Managing Partners and the Partnership.
- Provide scenario modeling and performance analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Establish consistent KPIs across regions (e.g., revenue growth, profitability, realization, leverage, working capital).
- Drive data quality, reporting automation, and analytical capability across the firm.
- Group Financial Reporting
- Oversee preparation of consolidated global financial statements.
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of financial reporting across jurisdictions.
- Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards and partnership reporting requirements.
- Standardize reporting frameworks and ensure alignment across regional finance teams.
- Provide clear, partner-focused reporting tailored to a legal services environment.
- Client Reporting
- Oversee timely and accurate data, reporting and insights to meet Partner and client needs, exceeding or meeting deadlines, SLA and other expectations.
- Influence, develop and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders including local managing partners, team leaders and divisional heads and business services teams globally to understand data issues and ensure data integrity.
- Audit & Internal Controls
- Lead global external audit processes and auditor relationships.
- Ensure strong internal control frameworks across all regions.
- Oversee risk assessment processes related to financial governance.
- Drive continuous improvement in compliance, control effectiveness, and financial transparency.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory and statutory financial obligations globally, including the SRA.
- Global Governance & Standardization
- Alongside the Global Finance Operations Director, develop and implement global finance policies, systems, and controls.
- Drive consistency in financial processes across regions while respecting local requirements.
- Partner with the CFO on finance transformation initiatives.
- Ensure effective use of global financial systems and reporting platforms.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Provide functional leadership and guidance to Regional Finance Directors.
- Partner closely with the Global Finance Operations Director on performance alignment.
- Present financial results and insights to senior leadership and partner forums.
- Build strong relationships with external advisors, banks, and auditors.
- Team Leadership
- Lead a high-performing, globally distributed team.
- Foster a culture of commercial excellence, innovation, collaboration and accountability.
- Strategic thinking and business partnering
- Strong technical accounting knowledge
- Financial modeling and analytical expertise
- Strong change leadership and process improvement skills and experience
- Ability to influence senior partners and cross-functional teams
- High ethical standards and strong governance mindset
- Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA strongly preferred.
- Extensive post qualified senior finance experience, ideally within an international law firm, insurance-focused professional services business or other complex global partnership environment.
- Proven expertise in financial control- including global consolidation and audit management and FP&A.
- Strong executive presence with experience engaging senior partners and board-level stakeholders.
- Comfortable leading complex, multi-entity, multi-currency global finance operations.
- Deep understanding of partnership financial structures and capital models.
This is a developing role and the job description is not exhaustive and may vary in line with changes in the team's objectives and firm policy.
Global Finance Director — Hybrid/Remote Role employer: Kennedys Law LLP
Kennedys is an exceptional employer that champions a hybrid working model, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. With a strong focus on employee growth, the firm offers extensive opportunities for career advancement within its globally distributed finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Working at Kennedys not only provides the chance to influence financial governance across international offices but also ensures that you are part of a dynamic environment committed to delivering high-quality service to clients worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Finance Director — Hybrid/Remote Role
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in law firms or similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. Understand their KPIs and how they align with your experience. This shows you're not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in financial planning, reporting, and governance can directly impact profitability and growth. Tailor your examples to reflect the specific needs of the role at Kennedys.
✨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 and ready to take on the challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Finance Director — Hybrid/Remote Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Global Finance Director. Highlight your experience in financial planning, analysis, and reporting, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and governance in previous positions. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire. Make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and influencing stakeholders. We want to know how you’ve fostered collaboration and accountability in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Kennedys!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedys Law LLP
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Global Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial planning and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Show them you can deliver insights that matter!
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Kennedys' operations and their global presence. Research their financial reporting practices and any recent news about the firm. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of how you've handled complex financial situations or led teams through change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves partnering with senior leadership and regional finance teams, be prepared to discuss your approach to stakeholder management. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships in the past and how you plan to foster collaboration across diverse teams.
