At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global financial operations and drive process improvements across international teams.
- Company: Join Kennedys, a dynamic firm with a collaborative culture and global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial operations in a leading international law firm.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification preferred; extensive experience in financial operations required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Global Financial Operations Director to lead financial operations across Kennedys' international business. The role is responsible for ensuring robust, efficient and compliant end-to-end financial processes across matter and client inception, billing, collections, accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking operations, client funds and financial systems. This individual will provide strategic leadership to global operational teams, drive process improvement and standardisation, and partner closely with finance and business leaders to support growth, service excellence and strong financial control across the firm.
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
- Financial Operations Leadership: Lead and develop global financial operations teams, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of day-to-day services across all core transactional finance activities. Establish and embed best practice policies, controls and procedures across financial operations to support consistency, efficiency and compliance globally.
- Matter and Client Inception: Work closely with the Master Data Management team on client onboarding, matter setup and associated financial controls to ensure accuracy, consistency and compliance. Partner with legal and business services teams to streamline and strengthen inception processes across the firm's global operations.
- Billing & Collections: Oversee the end-to-end billing process, ensuring timely, accurate and commercially effective invoicing across all regions. Monitor accounts receivable performance and collections activity, implementing strategies to improve working capital and optimise cash flow.
- Accounts Payable & Banking: Oversee accounts payable, banking and payment approval processes, ensuring strong control, operational efficiency and effective supplier management.
- Client Funds & Compliance: Ensure the appropriate handling, monitoring and reconciliation of client funds in line with all regulatory and professional requirements. Maintain a robust internal control environment to safeguard client money and firm assets and support ongoing compliance.
- Financial Systems & Reporting: Contribute to the financial systems strategy, including system enhancements, integrations, automation and continuous process improvement. Provide leadership with accurate operational reporting, analysis and performance metrics to support decision-making and drive improvement.
- Global Oversight & Collaboration: Drive consistency, control and compliance in financial operations across the firm's international office network. Partner with finance, legal and business services leaders to support growth, operational excellence and a high-quality client and colleague experience.
- Team Leadership: Lead a high-performing, globally distributed team. Foster a culture of commercial excellence, innovation, collaboration and accountability.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and operational excellence
- Financial integrity and compliance focus
- Leadership and team development
- Process improvement and automation
- Strong stakeholder management
Required Experience
- Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA strongly preferred.
- Extensive experience in financial operations, ideally within an international law firm, insurance-focused professional services business or other complex global partnership environment.
- Strong change leadership capability and a track record of delivering process improvement and operational transformation.
- Strong knowledge of billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, treasury, client funds management and financial systems.
- Proven experience leading cross-functional teams across multiple jurisdictions and operating environments.
- Excellent analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Experience of financial systems implementation, optimisation and automation.
This is a developing role and this job description is not exhaustive. It may evolve in line with the objectives of the team and the wider priorities of the firm.
Global Finance Operations Director employer: Kennedys Law LLP
At Kennedys, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a supportive environment. Join us to be part of a global team that values excellence and integrity in financial operations, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to thrive in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Finance Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in international firms. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Kennedys and its financial operations. Understand their global presence and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in your previous roles. We love hearing about real-life successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talent that fits our culture and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Finance Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Global Finance Operations Director. Highlight your experience in financial operations and any leadership roles you've held, especially in international settings. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Kennedys. Share specific examples of how you've driven process improvements or led teams in the past. We love a good story that showcases your achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking abilities. We’re looking for someone who can not only manage day-to-day operations but also drive long-term improvements. Share instances where you’ve implemented successful strategies in financial operations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kennedys Law LLP
✨Know Your Financial Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of financial operations, especially in areas like billing, accounts receivable, and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in these areas and any process improvements you've implemented in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading global teams and driving operational excellence. Think about specific instances where you've partnered with other departments to achieve business goals and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to Kennedys.
✨Demonstrate Your Change Leadership Capability
Be ready to talk about times when you've successfully managed change within an organisation. Discuss your approach to process improvement and how you've navigated challenges in complex environments, particularly in international settings.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders
Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, as you'll need to engage effectively with senior stakeholders. Prepare questions that show your interest in Kennedys' operations and how you can contribute to their growth and service excellence.
