Finance Manager

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days PTO

5% defined benefit pension

401(k)

Commuter benefits

Hybrid flexibility in downtown Chicago

Job summary

A globally recognized law firm is seeking a Manager of Technology Reporting & Budgeting to serve as the dedicated finance business partner for its Technology organization — owning budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial governance across a complex technology portfolio.

This high-visibility role translates technology spend into clear financial insights to help leadership make strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting.
• 6+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Strong understanding of IT cost drivers including infrastructure, cloud services, software licensing, labor, and project-based investments.
• CPA preferred.
• Professional services industry experience a plus.
• Strong financial modeling, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes for the firm's Technology organization.
• Manage financial performance across the full technology portfolio including infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and strategic technology initiatives.
• Monitor technology spending against budget and forecast — performing variance analysis and delivering dashboards and presentations to leadership.
• Partner with Technology leadership to evaluate investments, develop business cases, assess financial risks, and provide recommendations.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Vendor Management, and Technology teams to evaluate vendor contracts and cost optimization initiatives.
• Establish and maintain financial controls, governance processes, and reporting standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance financial processes and data quality.
• Manage, mentor, and develop staff through coaching and performance management.

Skills

Financial modeling

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Collaboration

IT cost drivers understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

Job description

A globally recognized law firm with 1,900+ lawyers across 20 offices worldwide is seeking a Manager of Technology Reporting & Budgeting to serve as the dedicated finance business partner for its Technology organization — owning budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial governance across a complex technology portfolio.

This is a high-visibility role for an experienced finance professional who understands IT cost drivers and enjoys translating technology spend into clear financial insights that help leadership make better strategic decisions.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes for the firm's Technology organization — ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and business objectives
• Manage financial performance across the full technology portfolio including infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and strategic technology initiatives
• Monitor technology spending against budget and forecast — performing variance analysis and delivering meaningful financial reporting, dashboards, and presentations to Technology leadership and firm management
• Partner with Technology leadership to evaluate investments, develop business cases, assess financial risks, and provide recommendations supporting technology strategy and resource allocation
• Collaborate with Procurement, Vendor Management, and Technology teams to evaluate vendor contracts, monitor technology expenditures, and support cost optimization initiatives
• Establish and maintain financial controls, governance processes, and reporting standards ensuring financial integrity and accountability
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance financial processes, reporting capabilities, and data quality across Finance and Technology functions
• Manage, mentor, and develop professional staff through coaching, performance management, and career development

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting required
• 6+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience
• Strong understanding of IT cost drivers including infrastructure, cloud services, software licensing, labor, and project-based investments
• CPA preferred
• Professional services industry experience a plus
• Strong financial modeling, presentation, and analytical skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills

Why This Role Stands Out:

Dedicated finance business partner seat embedded within a global firm's Technology organization

Broad scope across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, enterprise apps, and strategic tech initiatives

High-visibility partnership with Technology and firm leadership

Exceptional benefits — 24 days PTO, 5% defined benefit pension contribution, 401(k), and generous commuter benefits

Hybrid flexibility in downtown Chicago at a globally recognized, prestigious organization