Senior Manager Financial Accounting

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500+ lawyers) operating from 19 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Senior Financial Accounting Manager will lead the Firm’s general ledger accounting operations, annual financial statement preparation and external audit. This role will also have a focus of providing the highest level of service and operating with the necessary internal controls.  The Senior Manager of Financial Accounting will lead with a mindset of continuous improvement in subject areas including development of proposals for improvement of internal controls, processes and possible update of policies; provide recommendations to improve results and drive decisions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Guide general ledger accounting and operations.  Ensure the timely and accurate processing of accounting transactions and maintenance of accounting / financial records.  Manage Firm chart of accounts.
• Lead monthly and annual accounting close process. Ensure completion of all account reconciliations that support accuracy of accounting information.
• Manage all financial reporting related to the global firm’s annual financial statements. Also oversee completion of quarterly financial statements for Firm’s banking relationships. 
• Lead the accounting team in the Firm’s annual external financial statement audits (i.e. global firm, Foundation, etc.), as well as, internal audits from time to time.
• Oversee accounting operations and external audits for the Firm’s Investment Partnerships.
• Manage fixed asset accounting and reporting.  Maintain fixed asset accounting system.
• Provide guidance regarding accounting policy for relevant emerging technical accounting issues and in accordance with the evolution of the Firm’s business operations.
• Manage and develop direct reports.
• Work cross-functionally with other Firm departments to address accounting matters and issues, as well as deliver white glove service.
• Develop and/or lead change management efforts across all phases of projects and initiatives to drive the Firm’s culture of continuous improvemen
• Align accounting processes with strategic initiatives of the Firm; provide strategic direction and oversight for the disbursement functions.
• Involvement in other complex accounting projects and initiatives with other members of the Finance team as needed.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of Firm policies and procedures.

Qualifications & Requirements

• The Senior Financial Accounting Manager will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance, as well as eight to ten years of relevant work experience. CPA designation required.
• At least five years of experience in leading and managing people; demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams is critical.
• Prior tenure in public accounting or other professional services company is highly valued.
• This individual should be proactive, results oriented, and possess excellent written and oral communication skills to clearly and concisely summarize conclusions and observations. Attention to detail and the eagerness to learn and to progress within a dynamic and growing environment are imperative.
• The candidate must be able to work through ambiguity and push to deliver continual impact. Individuals are expected to exhibit positive customer service skills and a commitment to excellence. The individual should be an ambitious self-starter who is curious and resourceful while focusing on creating positive impact and lasting change.
• Proven change management skills.
• This candidate should be self-confident with strong communication skills and a professional demeanor.
• Possess outstanding interpersonal skills in order to work effectively within a team environment, as well as independently.
• Opportunities to expand responsibilities and progress within the Finance function are available for individuals based on strong performance and the desire to grow.

Technologies/Software

• MS Office with emphasis on advanced Excel skills is required
• PowerBI, Tableau, OneStream or Elite 3E experience is helpful. 

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm.