Director, Finance

Farris LLP; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in Vancouver seeks a Director of Finance to oversee financial operations, manage a team, and enhance financial management systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience, a CPA designation, and strong analytical skills. This role involves strategic planning, compliance management, and fostering a positive work environment. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, including health coverage and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Extended health and dental coverage

Generous vacation time

Life insurance

Pension plan

Annual professional development allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum seven to ten years’ experience in accounting and five years in a senior leadership position.
• Experience with implementing accounting system changes and upgrades is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Monitors financial performance and provides insights to senior management.
• Prepares financial statements and management reporting.
• Manages compliance with financial laws and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship Management

Financial Analysis

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Communication

Education

CPA

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Power BI

SQL

Elite 3E

Job description

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, our Director of Finance will be a dynamic, motivated financial professional with extensive leadership experience. They will manage a team of 12 accounting team members and oversee all financial operations of the firm, contributing to Farris’s financial strategy and business planning.

In addition, the successful candidate will lead Farris through the transition / upgrade of the firm’s time entry / billing / financial management system and related software systems. The role will also be responsible for assessing the financial performance of the firm and identifying possible risks and investments, in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer and the Management Committee.

Key functional responsibilities include Trust Accounting, Billing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Accounting Systems and Financial Planning & Analysis.

Primary Responsibilities

• Monitors the financial performance of the Firm by analyzing its results, identifying and managing risks, and providing insights to senior management.
• Prepares financial statements and management reporting on monthly, quarterly, and annual frequencies and ad hoc.
• Manages compliance with Law Society rules, accounting and other financial / tax laws and regulations.
• Manages the relationship with the Firm’s banks, accountants, and suppliers. Oversees the annual financial audit and trust audit.
• System Management
• Implements, maintains, and continually enhances the firm’s financial management systems (Elite 3E) which includes time entry, billing, receivables, payables, trust, file opening, conflict checks, financial statements and reporting.
• Manages and implements special projects in support of the firm’s strategic plan.
• Leverages systems capabilities to enhance operational processes and reports.
• Fosters a positive work environment by setting and clarifying goals, strengthening the group’s collective skills, and encouraging creativity and problem solving.
• Recruits and develops accounting staff (including managers and coordinators) through a coaching style of leadership, in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Collaborates with Partners and other senior leaders in the Firm.
• Professional Development
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. tax), Law Society rules and regulations, banking requirements and other financial matters relating to the provision of legal services.
• Stays informed about industry best practices by attending networking events and cultivating relationships within the legal industry.

Q ualifications

• CPA designation with a minimum seven to ten years’ experience in accounting and five years in a senior leadership position. Preference will be given to candidates with a professional services background.
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills; open, approachable, and empathetic.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels of the firm.
• Prior experience with implementing accounting system changes and upgrades is considered an asset.
• Superior organizational and time management skills with the ability to focus on details as well as being able to operate at a strategic level.
• Strong ability to analyse financial data, prepare accurate and timely reports and interpret financial results into meaningful business insights.
• Sound knowledge of general accounting functions including GAAP / CPAC guidelines.
• Strong ability to anticipate management information requirements.
• Effective decision making and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple competing projects and deadlines.
• Strong service and team orientation. Brings a “roll up the sleeves” approach to achieving results.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Excel and Word. Experience with Elite 3E or other law firm management software, in addition to Microsoft Power BI and SQL, are considered an asset.

The typical salary range for this position is $160,000 – $200,000 annually; the base pay offered is based on location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal and market equity.

• Competitive salary and structured annual reviews.
• Extended health and dental coverage.
• TELUS Health EFAP.
• Generous vacation time and sick time allowance.
• Life, short and long-term disability insurance.
• Pension plan.
• Annual professional development / education allowance.