Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Position Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the finance function of a reputed law firm. The CFO will be responsible for the firm's overall financial strategy, planning, profitability, cash-flow management, taxation, compliance, partner reporting and financial governance.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in a professional services environment, preferably with exposure to law firms, consulting firms, Big 4 / accounting firms or other partnership-led organisations.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Planning:

- Develop and implement the firm's overall financial strategy in alignment with its business objectives.

- Lead annual budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and variance analysis.

- Develop short- and long-term financial plans and scenarios based on business plans, projects and growth objectives.

- Analyse the firm's financial performance, strengths, risks and areas of improvement, and provide actionable strategic recommendations.

- Support the Managing Partners / CEO in evaluating new practice areas, office expansion, strategic investments and other business initiatives.

Financial Performance & Profitability:

- Monitor and drive revenue, profitability, cash flow and working-capital performance.

- Track and analyse partner-wise, practice-area-wise and matter-wise profitability.

- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, improved margins and operational efficiency.

- Prepare regular financial and business-performance reports for the Managing Partners and Partners.

Billing, Collections & Revenue Management:

- Oversee client billing, revenue recognition, WIP and debtor management.

- Monitor billing efficiency, collections, outstanding receivables and realisation rates.

- Ensure speed, accuracy and discipline in billing and client payment processes.

Treasury, Banking & Fund Management:

- Lead the firm's banking, treasury and cash-management activities.

- Maintain adequate liquidity and ensure stable and efficient cash flow.

- Manage short- and long-term borrowing requirements and fund mobilisation.

Taxation, Compliance & Financial Governance:

- Oversee taxation, accounting, statutory and regulatory compliance requirements.

- Establish and strengthen financial controls, policies, processes, approval mechanisms and governance frameworks.

Partner & Leadership Support:

- Manage financial aspects of partner compensation, distributions and profitability.

- Act as a strategic finance partner to the Managing Partners / CEO.

Team Leadership:

- Lead, mentor and develop the Finance & Accounts team.

- Build a strong, process-driven and technology-enabled finance function.

Candidate Profile:

- CA preferred; MBA in Finance from a reputed institution will be an advantage.

- 15-20 years of relevant experience, including significant experience in a senior finance leadership role.

- Strong experience in professional services, with candidates from law firms, Big 4, consulting / accounting firms or other partnership-led organisations preferred.

- Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to convert financial data into actionable business insights.

- Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder-management and team-building skills.

Key Competencies:

Financial Strategy, FP&A, Professional Services Finance, Partner Reporting, Billing & Collections, WIP & Revenue Management, Profitability Analysis, Cash-Flow Management, Treasury & Banking, Taxation, Financial Controls, MIS & Financial Reporting, Financial Modelling, Cost Optimisation, Risk Management, Leadership.