Meridia Recruitment Solutions has partnered up with a leading law firm in Ottawa to recruit a Director of Finance to join their team.
Your Responsibilities :
Manage the accounting team, currently of three employees
Manage all aspects of the daily accounting activities including but not limited to processing outgoing funds, bank deposits, accounts payables, accounts receivables, fee and disbursements processing, bank and credit card reconciliations, etc. and provide backup support to the team during high volume periods, remote work / vacation / sick cover, etc.
Ensure the firm adheres to all government, bank, Law Society standards and best practices from an accounting / financial perspective.
Manage any audits in a timely manner and ensure action on any deficiencies
Prepare internal monthly reports
Main bank liaison for inquiries and changes
Respond to inquiries from lawyers and staff on client files
Manage firm cash flows and update the Executive Committee regularly
Attend regular meetings with the firm Management Committee and / or Partnership to provide updates on financial health and areas of concern
Prepare and / or oversee all bank, government and regulatory filings, applications, registrations, payments and reporting requirements as per their schedule, including but not limited to HST remittance, Law Society firm filings, Professional Liability and Excess Insurance for the firm (including claims and claim adjustments), and Meritas reports
Oversee annual review engagement with our external accounting firm for year end reporting for the primary business and its subsidiaries (currently five in total)
Manage legal accounting & docketing software for new user setups, updates, changes, problem resolution, etc. (currently Soluno) and recommend changes of software when and as appropriate
Create firm policies for greater financial health
Work closely with the Operations team to develop and attain strategic goals, administrative and operational processes and procedures, etc.
Continually improve, elevate and contribute to the overall success of the firm by completing regular financial analysis to identify successes and deficiencies, developing key financial models, planning for cash spends on different projects, creating firm wide budgets for a fiscal year, creating presentations and reports for the partnership, and making recommendations for future endeavours and goals
Other tasks as required – managing incoming mail for vacation / sick leave covers, special projects, etc.
Your Requirements :
Accounting professional designation or degree, preferably a CA. CGA, CMA, CPA and ACAF designation will also be considered with commensurable experience. Master's in Finance or MBA as asset.
Knowledge of financial forecasting
Detail and results oriented
Leadership and business acumen
Expert level problem solver and analytical
Ability to take complex data and find the key metrics
Desire to learn and grow in the role
Experience managing cash flow
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in a legal environment managing trust accounts