Reporting & Budgeting Manager - Technology

Sidley Austin LLP (IL LLP); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP (IL LLP) seeks a Reporting & Budgeting Manager – Technology to partner with the Technology organization on budgeting, forecasting, governance, and financial analysis. You will provide financial leadership for technology initiatives, drive cost optimization, and deliver insightful reports to technology and Firm management.

Responsibilities include budgeting, variance analysis, and collaboration with procurement and technology teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Finance or Accounting.
• 6+ years of relevant accounting experience.
• Strong technical and analytical skills and IT cost awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning for Technology.
• Manage financial performance of technology portfolio including infra, cloud, cybersecurity, apps and initiatives.
• Partner with Technology leadership to evaluate investments and develop business cases.

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Finance or Accounting

CPA

Job description

The Reporting & Budgeting Manager – Technology serves as the primary finance partner to the Firm’s Technology organization, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, governance, reporting, and financial analysis for technology operations and investments. The role provides strategic insights and financial leadership to support technology initiatives, operational efficiency, and informed decision‑making for stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 the financial performance of the Firm’s technology portfolio, including infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and strategic technology initiatives.
• Partner with Technology leadership to evaluate investments, develop business cases, assess financial risks, and provide recommendations that support technology strategy and resource allocation.
• Monitor technology spending against budget and forecast, perform variance analysis, and deliver meaningful financial reporting, dashboards, and presentations to Technology leadership and Firm management.
• 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 that ensure financial integrity, accountability, and effective stewardship of Firm resources.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance financial processes, reporting capabilities, data quality, and operational efficiency across Finance and Technology functions.
• Manage, mentor, and develop professional staff through coaching, performance management, training, and career development initiatives.

Education and/or Experience

• Required: Bachelor of Science degree in Finance or Accounting
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant accounting experience
• Demonstrated technical and analytical skills within his/her professional background
• Technology Financial Expertise – Strong understanding of IT cost drivers, including infrastructure, cloud based services, software licensing, labor, and project‑based investments.

Preferred

• CPA
• Professional Service industry experience

Other Skills and Abilities

• Financial presentation experience
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• The use of good judgment and good interpersonal communication skills
• Well developed analytical and problem solving skills
• Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
• A self‑starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job
• Exercises confidentiality and discretion

Salary

The target salary range for this role is: $130,000 - $150,000 if located in Illinois. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Equal Opportunity

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sidley is an elite global law firm with a known reputation of deploying innovative strategies to achieve powerful results. Business professionals are essential to the firm’s ability to deliver the highest quality legal services to our clients. We are always looking for talented, motivated individuals who thrive in a performance‑driven culture to join our team.

Sidley employs approximately 2,300 lawyers working with our clients in complex transactional, restructuring, crisis management, investigation, regulatory, and litigation matters. Our 160 years of perspective and reach are truly global, supported by 21 offices strategically situated in key commercial, regulatory, and financial centers across the world. Our lawyers and business professionals, fluent in more than 75 languages, possess the cultural awareness and cross‑border legal acumen needed to bring clarity to a dynamic business landscape.