Financial Analyst (Law Firm)

Shipman & Goodwin LLP; Connecticut; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Shipman & Goodwin LLP is seeking a Financial Analyst to support financial planning, budgeting, and analysis for the firm. You will partner with the Director of FP&A to deliver data-driven insights that optimize profitability and inform strategic growth.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of financial analysis in professional services, strong Excel, SQL, and Power BI skills, and experience with law-firm metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• MBA or CFA designation preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of financial analysis experience, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment.
• Experience with SQL.
• Experience with law firm financial metrics and economic models preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills for financial modeling.
• Experience with Power BI or BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain financial models, forecasts, and budgets in coordination with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.
• Analyze attorney and practice group profitability, including revenue, realization rates, utilization, and billing trends.
• Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for firm management and practice group leaders.
• Support the annual budgeting process, including revenue projections, expense forecasting, and headcount planning.
• Monitor actual financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses to support strategic initiatives such as lateral hiring decisions, practice group expansion, and office investments.
• Assist with partner compensation modeling and analysis as directed.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data.
• Prepare presentations and dashboards for firm leadership, executive committee, and practice group chairs.
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to law firm operations, including leverage ratios, billing rates, and collection metrics.
• Support the development and maintenance of financial systems, reporting tools, and business intelligence platforms.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Discretion & professionalism

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration across departments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

MBA or CFA designation preferred

Tools

SQL

Aderant or similar

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Shipman & Goodwin LLP is a full-service law firm committed to helping clients achieve their goals through tailored legal solutions. With over 160 attorneys across offices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Texas, and New York, the firm serves a diverse range of clients, including public and private companies, government entities, non‑profits, and individuals. Known for its client‑focused approach, Shipman’s team invests significant time in understanding each client’s unique circumstances to provide effective and strategic counsel. The firm excels in navigating complex business transactions, resolving disputes, and supporting organizational growth.

Position Summary

The Financial Analyst supports the financial planning, budgeting, and analytical functions of a law firm. This role partners closely with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to deliver data-driven insights that inform firm leadership decisions, optimize profitability, and support strategic growth initiatives.

Candidates can choose to work out of our Hartford, Stamford, or Boston offices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain financial models, forecasts, and budgets in coordination with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.
• Analyze attorney and practice group profitability, including revenue, realization rates, utilization, and billing trends.
• Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for firm management and practice group leaders.
• Support the annual budgeting process, including revenue projections, expense forecasting, and headcount planning.
• Monitor actual financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses to support strategic initiatives such as lateral hiring decisions, practice group expansion, and office investments.
• Assist with partner compensation modeling and analysis as directed.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data.
• Prepare presentations and dashboards for firm leadership, executive committee, and practice group chairs.
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to law firm operations, including leverage ratios, billing rates, and collection metrics.
• Support the development and maintenance of financial systems, reporting tools, and business intelligence platforms.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field required.
• MBA or CFA designation preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of financial analysis experience, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment.
• Experience with SQL
• Experience with law firm financial metrics and economic models strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, pivot tables, and complex formulas.
• Experience with legal industry financial systems (e.g., Aderant or similar practice management software) preferred.
• Proficiency with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI) preferred.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• High degree of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential financial information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Primarily sedentary office work with extended periods at a computer.
• Occasional extended hours during budget cycles, month-end close, and fiscal year-end.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this role is $65,000-$90,000/year, salary, exempt. We provide our employees with a competitive compensation package which includes, but is not limited to, a choice of flexible benefits plans, including medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, life insurance, paid time off, as well as a 401K savings plan with profit sharing.Additionally, we offer continuous in-house training, flexible working conditions, employee discounts, and a variety of firm-sponsored activities and events.

Non-Discrimination:

The Firm will not make employment decisions (including decisions related to hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.

Qualifications:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations.The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Disclaimer Statement

The preceding job description has been designed to illustrate the general nature and requirements for the performance of this job.It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.