Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, the Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer (COO/CFO) will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic operational and financial functions. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated executive leadership experience, ideally in a law or professional services firm, with deep expertise in finance, operational management, strategic planning, and business development. This individual will provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of firm-wide operations including finance, human resources, technology, marketing, and facilities, ensuring alignment with the firm’s overall strategy and financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Collaborate closely with the Managing Partner and senior leadership team to develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
  • Actively contribute to the firm’s strategic and long-range planning processes, providing actionable insights and forecasts to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Financial Management:
  • Oversee all financial aspects, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, and tax compliance.  Directly supervise accounting and billing managers.
  • Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and provide recommendations to maximize financial health and profitability.
  • Manage relationships with external financial auditors and accountants to ensure compliance with all applicable financial regulations and standards.
  • Work with Firm’s Pension Plan consultants and serve as Plan Administrator.
  • Oversee the development of sophisticated financial reports and metrics to drive profitability analysis, realization, and utilization.
  • Analyze strategic opportunities and investments.
• Operational Management:
  • Working with Director of IT and Facilities Manager, lead and optimize firm-wide operations, including IT, facilities management, administrative support, vendor management, and procurement.
  • Drive operational efficiencies by evaluating, recommending, and implementing process improvements and technology enhancements.
  • Ensure that appropriate operational controls and procedures are in place, clearly communicated, and adhered to throughout the organization.
• Human Resources and Talent Management:
  • In collaboration with Director of Talent and Diversity, provide executive guidance and oversight to human resources functions, promoting a performance-oriented culture aligned with firm values.
  • Advise and consult on talent management strategies including recruitment, retention, professional development, and performance management programs.
• Marketing and Business Development:
  • In collaboration with Marketing Director and Marketing and Business Development Partner, oversee marketing initiatives, including brand management, client relations, market analysis, and business development strategies aimed at revenue growth and client retention.
• Risk Management:
  • Coordinate closely with Managing Partner, Risk Management Partner and other firm leadership to assess, monitor, and mitigate business risks, ensuring robust compliance practices.
  • Work with Firm’s insurance brokers to procure liability and malpractice insurance.
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the firm.
  • Effectively communicate complex financial and operational information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ senior executive experience, with significant financial and operational management responsibilities.
• Proven experience in professional services or law firm environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated capability in financial management, strategic planning, operations oversight, and technology integration.
• Superior analytical, strategic-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage relationships across all organizational levels.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) strongly preferred.

Desired Skills & Personal Attributes

• Proven ability to lead through influence, build strong internal teams, and manage organizational change effectively.
• Exceptional business acumen, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
• Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment, promoting firm values through personal leadership.

To apply or for more information, please contact anugent@carmodylaw.com.