Head of Southern Europe - Finance & AccountingBarcelona
EUR 110.000 - 125.000
DescriptionTo be responsible for a team of 33 across the Baker McKenzie offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, and Rome. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to lead the finance function in a vital region.
The role-holder will support a leading Global Law Firm with a diverse and prestigious client base. The Firm offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, along with numerous opportunities for learning and development.
Main responsibilities: Financial Planning, Reporting, and Analysis:Manage the financial planning, reporting, and analysis for the region, ensuring compliance with global and local standards and regulations.Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports to local management highlighting key performance indicators, variances, and trends.Analyze and monitor the financial performance and profitability of the region, identifying risks and opportunities, and providing recommendations for improvement.Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to the local leadership teams, supporting business development and growth initiatives.Conduct financial modelling and scenario analysis to support decision-making and investment proposals.Evaluate and advise on the financial implications and feasibility of new business opportunities, client agreements, and projects.Budgeting, Forecasting, and Performance Management:Oversee the budgeting, forecasting, and performance management processes, ensuring alignment with the firm's objectives and targets.Coordinate and consolidate the annual budget and quarterly forecasts for the region, and communicate them to the regional finance leadership.Establish and monitor the key performance metrics and financial targets for the region, and provide regular feedback and coaching to the finance team and the business leaders.Manage the Firm's lock-up to targeted levels and ensure an efficient cash conversion cycle.Manage billing and collections to their monthly phased targets, liaising with fee earners, business professional colleagues, and clients as appropriate.Ensure the regional billing and collections teams are utilizing all relevant systems and tools to their maximum potential.Monitor time recording statistics and ensure fee earners are recording their time in line with internal guidelines.Review current working practices across the regional offices and provide recommendations for improvements.Team Leadership and Development:Lead and develop a team of finance professionals across the region, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation.Define and communicate the vision, mission, and goals of the finance function, and align them with the firm's values and strategy.Provide direction, guidance, and support to the finance team, and ensure they have the necessary skills, resources, and tools to perform their roles effectively.Promote a learning and development culture within the finance team, and provide opportunities for training, coaching, and mentoring.Facilitate the annual performance review and compensation process for the finance team, and provide input and feedback to the regional leadership team.Continuous Improvement and Efficiency:Drive continuous improvement and efficiency in the finance function, leveraging best practices and technology solutions.Review and streamline the finance processes and workflows, and implement automation and standardization where possible.Identify and implement best practices and benchmarks for the finance function, and ensure alignment and consistency with the global finance team and the other regions.Support the rollout of new technology solutions and systems that enhance the finance function's capabilities and performance.Travel requirements: Some requirements for travel to other offices in the region.
About the candidate Technical skills, qualifications and experience: Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; A professional qualification such as CPA, CMA, or ACCA or their equivalent would be beneficial.Strong progressive experience in finance roles, preferably in the legal or professional services sector.Experience in a senior finance leadership role, managing a regional or multi-country finance function.Experience in financial planning, reporting, and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management, and business partnering.Experience in leading and developing finance teams, and driving continuous improvement and efficiency in the finance function.Strong business acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to provide strategic insights and recommendations.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners.Fluency in English and Spanish required, working knowledge of Italian an advantage.Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, and other finance software and systems.High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.Why Join Us?
Baker McKenzie is a truly global law firm. Founded in 1949, we advise many of the world's most dynamic and successful business organisations through our 13,200 people in 74 offices in 45 countries. Yet big does not mean impersonal. We work hard to ensure that everyone knows their role and has the support they need to perform it to the highest standard. Our culture encourages this - how we work, think and behave in a collaborative and fulfilling way.
To Apply
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