To cover Baker McKenzie’s EMEA operations and report directly to the EMEA Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). This is a new role and the role-holder will assist in shaping and refining this role, collaborating closely with the CFO.
Currently, there are billing and collections teams embedded in all of the EMEA jurisdictions and across the Firm’s central Service Centres (Manila, Belfast, Tampa, and Buenos Aires). One of the primary objectives of this role will be to establish functional leadership in the working capital space for the EMEA offices and provide guidance to and work closely with the central service centres and their management team(s).
Main responsibilities
Provide functional and thought leadership for the revenue teams across the EMEA offices (consisting of around 90 members of staff)
Lead on and develop the working relationships with the central service centres that operate under their line management; Agree on suitable KPIs and objectives with the service centres for collections and ensure we are working collaboratively towards a set of shared goals
Build an EMEA team ethos, hold regular calls with the EMEA team, and over time, ensure the teams are working to the same operating model and adopting best practice (systems and process)
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance revenue management processes and systems
Work closely with the wider Finance team to develop clear and consistent regular financial reporting
Assist with introducing a new lock-up methodology
Strong focus on lockup management, reducing WIP days and debtor days, and the overall level of working capital is the primary operational focus of this role, and formulating strategies to achieve this will be key
Set and monitor billing and collections targets across the offices and practice groups and ensure regular and accurate monitoring and reporting and that targets are met
Review realization levels and the reasons for leakage across each of the offices and practice groups
Regularly review time recording and establish an approach for reporting on poor compliance and recommend follow-up actions
Assist with the annual rates review exercise, both in terms of how it plays into the budget and as part of the formal annual rates review process
Working with the Strategy and Analytics team, set rates guidance for each office and practice group, monitor the results, and challenge where appropriate. Assist with the rollout of the new rates, working closely with the global team to ensure EMEA partners are taking the necessary actions
Work with the e-billing team to improve matter set up and the setting of new rates
Lead on and assist with various ad hoc projects as required including but not limited to a review of payment terms and a review of WIP and AR write-off policies
Travel requirements:
Occasional travel may be required. About the team Function The Finance function provides the following services to the Firm: Supports strategic decision-making from a financial and business perspective Manages cash flow, including accounts payable, credit checks, billing, and collections Ensures Firm-wide purchasing excellence and efficiency Provides financial reporting, budgets, and forecasts Secures financing across the global Firm You will report to:
EMEA Chief Financial Officer Your direct reports, if any:
N/A Key relationships:
The EMEA CFO, the Director of Financial Operations, office Finance Heads, and office and service center billing and collections teams. About the candidate Technical skills, qualifications and experience Demonstrate a clear understanding of working capital in a law firm and its impact on profitability Proactive, client-centric, and focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement A problem solver and comfortable dealing with senior stakeholders Strong managerial skills with the ability to motivate and develop Strong written and oral communication skills with the confidence and gravitas to liaise at all levels within the business Previous supervisory experience in a revenue management/credit collections team Self-motivated and committed Significant technical skills across the whole Working Capital Management Cycle SAP experience is a benefit but otherwise strong legal systems and reporting experience are required Flexible approach to working hours and a willingness to work outside core hours during busy periods Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership A high level of integrity and professionalism These personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location. Know-how Demonstrates the ability to identify the real issue, and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distils a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent manner Has the capacity to take on new ideas and develop knowledge and to think holistically about business and address media, analyst, employee, and client audiences Able to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with the agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesis Dedication Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standards Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative, and is self-reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possible Hardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demands Demonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situations Personal Impact Uses complex, coordinated influencing/negotiation strategies, adapted to people, organizations, and/or the situation, e.g. networks Leverages direct reports to facilitate increased collaboration across the organization Builds partnerships based on a common agreement that acknowledges individual differences but creates a new commonality beyond root belief large-scale Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity Negotiates to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes; shows good judgment on when to stand strong and when to compromise Invests in, nurtures, and builds a network of productive relationships Humanity Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparent Has care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as people Treats delicate or confidential issues with discretion 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. In London you will be part of a 1,000 person office, which is also our largest office globally. Originally opened in 1961, Baker McKenzie London is well established in the UK as a leading international law firm and is regularly involved in some of the country's most high-profile legal matters. We can offer you the work, pride and experience of being part of a leading law firm but in a local office environment that is hardworking, friendly and supportive. Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process please contact in confidence, David Roberts, Recruitment Manager, on David.Roberts@bakermckenzie.com NO AGENCIES PLEASE Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity As the first truly global law firm, diversity and inclusion are foundational to our culture and strategic vision. We are a Firm of individuals from across the globe with different backgrounds, ideas, and points of view who collegially work together to solve complex problems and design practical solutions for our clients.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Occasional travel may be required. About the team Function The Finance function provides the following services to the Firm: Supports strategic decision-making from a financial and business perspective Manages cash flow, including accounts payable, credit checks, billing, and collections Ensures Firm-wide purchasing excellence and efficiency Provides financial reporting, budgets, and forecasts Secures financing across the global Firm You will report to:
EMEA Chief Financial Officer Your direct reports, if any:
N/A Key relationships:
The EMEA CFO, the Director of Financial Operations, office Finance Heads, and office and service center billing and collections teams. About the candidate Technical skills, qualifications and experience Demonstrate a clear understanding of working capital in a law firm and its impact on profitability Proactive, client-centric, and focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement A problem solver and comfortable dealing with senior stakeholders Strong managerial skills with the ability to motivate and develop Strong written and oral communication skills with the confidence and gravitas to liaise at all levels within the business Previous supervisory experience in a revenue management/credit collections team Self-motivated and committed Significant technical skills across the whole Working Capital Management Cycle SAP experience is a benefit but otherwise strong legal systems and reporting experience are required Flexible approach to working hours and a willingness to work outside core hours during busy periods Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership A high level of integrity and professionalism These personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location. Know-how Demonstrates the ability to identify the real issue, and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distils a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent manner Has the capacity to take on new ideas and develop knowledge and to think holistically about business and address media, analyst, employee, and client audiences Able to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with the agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesis Dedication Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standards Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative, and is self-reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possible Hardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demands Demonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situations Personal Impact Uses complex, coordinated influencing/negotiation strategies, adapted to people, organizations, and/or the situation, e.g. networks Leverages direct reports to facilitate increased collaboration across the organization Builds partnerships based on a common agreement that acknowledges individual differences but creates a new commonality beyond root belief large-scale Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity Negotiates to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes; shows good judgment on when to stand strong and when to compromise Invests in, nurtures, and builds a network of productive relationships Humanity Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparent Has care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as people Treats delicate or confidential issues with discretion 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. In London you will be part of a 1,000 person office, which is also our largest office globally. Originally opened in 1961, Baker McKenzie London is well established in the UK as a leading international law firm and is regularly involved in some of the country's most high-profile legal matters. We can offer you the work, pride and experience of being part of a leading law firm but in a local office environment that is hardworking, friendly and supportive. Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process please contact in confidence, David Roberts, Recruitment Manager, on David.Roberts@bakermckenzie.com NO AGENCIES PLEASE Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity As the first truly global law firm, diversity and inclusion are foundational to our culture and strategic vision. We are a Firm of individuals from across the globe with different backgrounds, ideas, and points of view who collegially work together to solve complex problems and design practical solutions for our clients.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
