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CFO & Practice Finance Business Partner ZA
Posted on
Feb 15, 2022
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Profile
Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. By turning our insight, technology and talent into ground-breaking solutions, we’ve earned our reputation as a firm that leads the industry and opens up new possibilities in law. Our lawyers are leaders in their field – and the same goes for our support teams. Ambitious, driven and open to fresh perspectives, we find new ways to deliver our services and maintain our reputation for excellence, in all that we do.
Role Purpose
To lead the South African Finance function, manage the Finance team and act as a business partner and advisor to the Partnership. The role is responsible for the financial operations, technical and regulatory financial compliance, general finance and business services support to the business. This role also acts as the commercial and financial advisor to the Practice, providing high quality, front-line finance support and advice to key groups of stakeholders.
Key Relationships
- Managing Partner & Partners in the office, particularly the Finance and Business Services committee
- Finance leads in other jurisdictions
- The Group Finance and Partnership & Tax teams
- Other support heads in the office/region
- The firm’s auditors, tax advisors, BBBEE consultants and other external parties and clients as required
Role and Responsibilities
Strategic and Finance Leadership
- Financial, commercial business partner to the South African business and Partner group, covering all aspects of financial and commercial advice and management.
- A collaborative member of the office leadership team, taking the lead in the Finance and Business Services committee.
- Collaborating with, and advising on financial matters, business support functional Heads.
- Able to prepare and deliver in-depth financial analysis accompanied by insightful narrative on the financial and commercial areas of the business for strategic and operational discussions.
- Build relationships and influence at the highest levels; present at partner meetings and other forums.
- Participate in discussions on the future growth strategies and planning for the business.
- Assist and mentor new partner hires or internal promotes.
- Active member of the Global Finance Community within Allen & Overy.
- Well networked within the South African finance and business community.
Operational Financial Management
- Lead Finance team and direct management responsibility for the South African finance function.
- Work closely with the Belfast Service Centre, where some transactional services are provided for SA.
- Accountability for all local statutory and Group compliance requirements (taxes, financial reporting etc.), complete and accurate accounting records, local and group IFRS accounts and for all financial processes, controls and procedures.
- Active ownership of external Auditor relationship, annual financial audit and year end close process.
- Responsible for providing management accounts and information used by decision makers. Monitoring of the results and potential risks with aim of providing insight to stakeholders on a proactive basis to support business success.
- Cash management including cash forecasts and local bank relationships & work with Group Treasury.
- Ultimate ownership of managing costs and profitability as well as partner ‘payroll’.
- Senior management involvement in payroll provision and delivery.
- All other activities involved in the delivery of the finance service.
Business Partnering
- Working with the Partners to maximise work product profitability from pitching and pricing to facilitating the review and analysis of client/matter profitability.
- Drive improvements in working capital management performance and embed best practice.
- Develop and implementation of ideas / initiatives reflecting best practice for a global firm. Ensure that firm-wide initiatives are adopted and implemented effectively, on a timely basis and appropriately.
- Maintain close relationships with Office Practice Group Heads.
- Supervision and moderation of the budget and business planning process for the office; ensuring completeness, accuracy and providing advice.
- Deliver training to fee earners to enhance financial awareness and improve commercial skills.
Business Services
- Management of the manager led business services team, consultatively and collaboratively.
- Demonstrable senior leadership role in real estate issues such as property decisions; office fit outs; office refurbishments. Ensuring collaboration with the London Real Estate team.
- Sign off and supervision of local business services for example health & safety provision; front office provision; office cleaning.
- Participation in global business services community and enabling best practice in South Africa.
- Taking the lead with the office COO, working alongside the office’s external BBBEE consultants, and in consultation with the BBBEE committee to deliver the office’s BBBEE rating annually.
People and Performance
- Manage and develop a high performing team with equal focus on technical excellence, professional standards, commercial acumen, excellent service levels and timely delivery.
- Ensure the team are able to adapt to the changing needs of the business and the environment.
- Engage, develop, mentor and motivate staff to meet their potential and the team/firm goals.
- Champion and embed excellence, innovation and a service focus in the team.
- Create a positive work environment that embraces collaboration and the network.
- Continually improve the team operational environment and working practices.
- Seek opportunities to embed cross-training, succession planning and develop well-rounded roles.
- Act as mentor to other finance personnel across the region.
Competencies for Success
- Qualified Accountant (current member of a recognised accounting institution) with significant post qualification experience (minimum 15 years) with time in industry / commercial role.
- Strong accounting, tax and treasury skills; experience of working in an international environment.
- High level of intellectual ability and able to credibly influence at the highest levels, be fast-thinking, collaborative and proactive.
- Results driven; proactive, goal orientated approach to delivery and decision making.
- Resilient, enthusiastic individual who is comfortable working with and challenging senior stakeholders to get the right results.
- Outstanding interpersonal & management skills.
- Demonstrate a hands-on approach and success in working in a team based environment.
- Clear written and verbal communications explaining complex issues both to financial and non-financial stakeholders.
- Comfortable in a world of ambiguous decision making and consultation, influencing skills and confidence to advise and consider critical success factors.
- Some travel required.