Finance Manager

The Finance Manager will play a key role in managing the firm's annual budget process, financial forecasting, and performance monitoring. This position requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of law firm economics, and the ability to partner effectively with practice group leaders, administrative departments, and senior management. This role will ensure financial discipline while supporting the firm's growth and profitability objectives.

Essential Functions

Strategic Support

• Present complex financial information in a clear, concise manner to non-financial stakeholders. Respond to ad-hoc requests from firm management and practice group leaders for financial analyses and reports.
• Provide financial modeling for potential business initiatives, lateral hires, and expansion opportunities.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable plans and ensure timely execution across departments.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.

  Project Management

• Lead or support cross-functional projects involving Finance, Accounting, IT, and other departments.
• Track progress on key initiatives and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants as needed.

  Operational Oversight

• Responsible for managing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic analysis.
• Produce timely and accurate financial reports for firm leadership and practice group leaders to aid in decision-making and strategy development.
• Develop financial models and reporting to identify trends and issues; formulate recommendations and strategies for improving performance.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes. Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial plans to support the firm's objectives and initiatives. Monitor adherence to budgets and provide variance analysis with actionable recommendations.
• Monitor and report on financial performance against budget and key metrics, including realization rates, utilization, and practice profitability. Monitor progress against economic targets and goals and initiates follow-up, as needed
• Respond to survey requests and provide analysis of results against peer firms.
• Facilitate decision-making by preparing briefing materials, synthesizing data, and coordinating stakeholder input.
• Identify and implement process improvements in systems and reporting. Evaluate and deploy technologies to streamline operations.

  Stakeholder Engagement

• Build relationships across the firm to facilitate collaboration and information flow.

  Team & Culture Enablement

  • Manage the accounting team and provide guidance to ensure optimal performance and professional growth.
  • Ensure compliance with accounting standards, legal regulations, and internal policies.
  • Establish and maintain financial controls and procedures.
  • Support internal communications and change management efforts related to financial operations.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement within the Finance department.

  Non-Essential Functions

• Work on projects as assigned by the Firm Chair, Firm Vice Chair, and CFO
• Complete other duties as assigned

  Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, CPA, or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in finance, consulting, legal operations, or executive leadership support, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Deep understanding of law firm financial operations, partnership structures, and legal industry metrics.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Elite 3E and Power BI a plus

  Success Factors

  Executive Presence & Influence

• Confidence and tact in communicating with senior partners, board members, and external stakeholders.

  Emotional Intelligence

• High self-awareness and empathy to manage relationships and read the room effectively.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and navigate firm politics with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust across diverse teams and personalities.

  Strategic Thinking

• Capacity to see the big picture while managing the details.
• Ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align day-to-day operations with long-term goals.
• Comfort with ambiguity and change, especially in a dynamic legal and financial environment.

  Communication Mastery

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for drafting executive-level materials.
• Ability to distill complex financial and operational concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Skilled in active listening and facilitating productive dialogue across departments.

  Organizational Agility

• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and manage time effectively.
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills.Ability to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines

  Collaboration & Relationship Building

• Proven success mentoring, managing, and developing high-performing teams, committed to the highest levels of team-orientation, client service, and professional excellence.
• Ability to foster cross-functional partnerships with Legal Ops, IT, HR, and Practice Management.
• Skilled at creating alignment and shared ownership of strategic initiatives.

  Confidentiality & Judgment

• Unwavering discretion in handling sensitive financial and personnel matters.
• Sound judgment in decision-making and advising the CFO on internal dynamics.

  Work Environment

• Position to be based in Washington DC with a requirement of at least 3 days in office
• Willing to work staggered schedule as required
• Must be available to work beyond regular hours
• Must be able to work under tight deadlines and in stressful situations
• Non-smoking environment
• Must be able to comply with all safety requirements in our workplace

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $151,000 - $161,000. The actual base salary offered will be dependent upon the applicant's experience and qualifications, as well as other job-related factors, including but not limited to, relevant skills, education, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, geographic location.

Steptoe offers a full range of benefits for you and your eligible dependents. Benefits currently include: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, dependent care, health care flexible spending accounts, 401K Plan, Profit-Sharing, Paid Time-Off and a robust Wellness Program.

Steptoe LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.