Financial Systems Manager

The Financial Systems Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, optimization, and day-to-day management of the Firm’s financial systems and related business applications. This role serves as a key bridge between Finance, IT, Accounting, Pricing, and Practice Operations, ensuring that financial platforms support accurate reporting, efficient workflows, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision-making in a complex partnership environment.The ideal candidate brings deep functional and technical experience with large law firm financial systems, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders ranging from senior partners to technical teams.Essential FunctionsFinancial Systems Leadership & Strategy• Own the overall financial systems roadmap, ensuring alignment with the Firm’s strategic, operational, and reporting objectives.• Serve as the subject-matter expert for the Firm’s core financial platforms (e.g., general ledger, billing, timekeeping, budgeting, and reporting systems).• Evaluate, recommend, and lead the implementation of system enhancements, upgrades, and new financial technologies.System Administration & Optimization• Oversee configuration, maintenance, and ongoing optimization of financial systems to support accuracy, scalability, and efficiency.• Partner with Accounting and Finance leadership to ensure systems appropriately reflect partnership structures, compensation models, and law firm–specific metrics.• Develop and maintain system documentation, controls, and governance standards.Data, Reporting & Analytics• Collaborate with Finance, Pricing, and Practice Management teams to deliver reliable financial data, dashboards, and management reporting.• Ensure consistency and integrity of financial data across systems and downstream reporting tools.• Support advanced analytics initiatives that improve visibility into profitability, realization, utilization, and other key firm metrics.Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration• Lead cross-functional project teams on system implementations and process improvement initiatives.• Act as a primary liaison between Finance and IT, translating business requirements into technical solutions.• Manage vendor relationships, including system providers, consultants, and implementation partners.Controls, Risk & Compliance• Partner with Finance leadership to ensure systems support internal controls, audit requirements, and compliance obligations.• Proactively identify system-related risks and recommend mitigation strategies.• People Leadership & Development• Manage and mentor financial systems staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.• Set clear performance expectations and support professional development of team members.Non-Essential Functions• Work on projects as assigned by the Firm Chair, Vice Chair, and/or CFO• Complete other duties as assignedMinimum Qualification Required• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or a related field.• 8-12+ years of progressive experience in financial systems, financial operations, or finance technology, ideally within a large law firm or professional services environment.• Significant hands-on experience with law firm financial systems (e.g., Elite 3E or comparable platforms).• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects.Preferred• Advanced degree (MBA) or professional certification (CPA, CMA, or equivalent).• Experience supporting partnership accounting, compensation, and legal industry–specific financial metrics.• Exposure to reporting and analytics tools (e.g., Power BI or similar platforms).Preferred Technical ExperienceExperience in the following areas and comparable enterprise platforms would be beneficial:• Hands on familiarity with integrated law firm financial systems (e.g., Elite 3E), including billing, timekeeping, general ledger, matter lifecycle, and system integrations• Experience working with adjacent finance and practice management platforms (e.g., Intapp, including Intapp Terms, conflicts, and intake tools) and their integration points with financial systems• Exposure to financial reporting and dashboarding tools (e.g., BigHand dashboards or similar solutions) supporting firm leadership and practice insights• Working knowledge of reporting and analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, SQL based reporting, or comparable tools) used to analyze financial and operational data• Understanding of system integrations and data flows across financial, pricing, and reporting platforms (e.g., 3E, Intapp, BigHand, and downstream analytics tools)• Familiarity with financial master data governance across interconnected systems (clients, matters, pricing, timekeepers, etc.)• Exposure to system level access controls, audit trails, and compliance support within financial applications• Experience partnering with SaaS vendors and implementation partners during system upgrades or optimization initiatives.Success Factors• Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance long-term system strategy with immediate operational needs.• Executive Presence: Comfortable partnering with senior firm leadership and influencing decision-making.• Analytical Rigor: Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in complex data environments.• Communication: Ability to translate technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.• Change Leadership: Skilled at driving adoption and managing change in a partnership-driven culture.Work Environment • Position may be hybrid with availability to attend in-person in-office meetings as required• 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 workplaceThe anticipated base salary range for this position is $170,000 - $190,000. 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.