Director of Finance and Operations

Job Description

Potentia Human Resources is proud to partner with Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP in the recruitment of a Director of Finance & Operations.

Doak Shirreff is one of the Okanagan's most established and respected full-service law firms. With a team of approximately 50 lawyers and professional staff, the firm has earned a reputation for legal excellence, trusted client relationships, and a collaborative culture that values professionalism, integrity, and community involvement. The firm combines the stability of a long-standing organization with a forward-thinking approach to serving clients and supporting its people.

Reporting directly to the Equity Partners and working closely with the Management Committee, the Director of Finance & Operations will play a pivotal leadership role in the continued success of the firm. This position is responsible for providing strategic financial guidance while overseeing the firm's day-to-day finance, operations, administration, and technology functions. The ideal candidate is both a strategic leader and a hands-on operator; someone who can contribute to long-term planning and decision-making while ensuring operational excellence across the organization.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance and operations leader who enjoys partnering with senior leadership, driving continuous improvement, and making a meaningful impact within a highly respected professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Provide strategic financial advice and operational leadership to the Equity Partners and Management Committee.
  
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly and annual financial statements, develop key performance indicators, and provide meaningful business insights and recommendations.
  
• Oversee financial operations including trust accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, collections, wire transfers, deposits, year-end processes, and financial reporting.
  
• Maintain strong internal controls, business systems, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance, accuracy, and effective risk management.
  
• Develop and manage firm budgets, forecasts, and financial planning initiatives.
  
• Manage partner equalization, buy-ins, buyouts, and annual partner compensation processes in collaboration with firm leadership.
  
• Support employee compensation planning and salary review processes in partnership with the HR Manager.
  
• Oversee insurance renewals, Lawyers Indemnity Fund claims, and other risk management initiatives.
  
• Lead the management of outstanding accounts receivable and collection processes.
  
• Oversee day-to-day operational functions including facilities, equipment, leases, office systems, vendors, contracts, inventory, and property management relationships.
  
• Provide oversight of technology infrastructure, external IT service providers, practice management systems, and operational software platforms.
  
• Collaborate with external marketing partners and support firm branding and business initiatives.
  
• Work closely with the Equity Partners on strategic planning, growth initiatives, succession planning, workforce planning, and organizational sustainability.
  
• Coordinate and facilitate partner and Management Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, meeting administration, and follow-up on action items.
  
• Ensure compliance with applicable Law Society requirements and support related administrative processes.
  
• Support community engagement initiatives and partnership travel planning.
  
• Provide leadership and oversight to the Payroll, Accounting, and IT functions, while supporting the HR function.
  
• Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the firm.
  
• Partner with the HR Manager and Equity Partners on people practices, performance management, employee relations, policy development, and organizational risk management.
  
• Identify opportunities to modernize systems, improve processes, and enhance operational efficiency across the firm.
  

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance, operations, practice management, or a related leadership role within a professional services environment.
  
• CPA designation or equivalent senior financial management experience strongly preferred.
  
• Demonstrated experience analyzing business performance, developing KPIs, and providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership teams.
  
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and year-end processes.
  
• Experience overseeing trust accounting and familiarity with Law Society rules and compliance requirements is considered a significant asset.
  
• Proven success leading operational improvements, process modernization initiatives, and systems implementation projects.
  
• Exceptional leadership, relationship-building, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  
• Strong analytical, planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and personal accountability.
  
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and financial management systems.
  
• Experience with legal practice management software is considered an asset.
  
• Previous law firm or professional services experience is strongly preferred.
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $120,000 - $135,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
  
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  
• Group RRSP contribution program.
  
• Generous vacation entitlement and paid time off.
  
• A senior leadership role with significant influence on the future direction and success of the firm.
  
• The opportunity to work closely with a collaborative and highly engaged group of Equity Partners.
  
• A respected, stable, and well-established professional services organization with a strong reputation in the Okanagan.
  
• Complimentary parking.
  
• A supportive, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.
  
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the operations, people, and long-term success of the firm.
  

Joining Doak Shirreff means becoming part of a respected and community-minded firm that values professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are looking forward to reviewing your resume and learning more about you!

Requirements
Finance and Accounting, Strategic Leadership, Business Systems, Operations and Administration, Strategic Planning and Partner Support, People Leadership,