DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | CHARLOTTETOWN, PE

Cox & Palmer is a full-service, top-ranked Atlantic Canadian law firm with the knowledge and experience clients rely upon for solid legal solutions. The firm prides itself on a collegial work atmosphere and supportive team environment. We hire self-motivated, team-minded individuals with a strong work ethic, integrity and a commitment to client service.
The Director of Finance (DOF) is a new role at Cox & Palmer and is responsible for all financial management, procedures and policies in the firm’s four PEI offices. Included in these responsibilities are the direction and supervision of the financial personnel; ensuring that all accounting practices conform to the required regulations and standards; timely billing and collection of client accounts; financial reporting; administering payroll and related compensation programs; monitoring cash flow, banking and supplier relations and other responsibilities assigned by the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The DOF reports to the COO and serves as a resource to the COO and Managing Partner in the preparation, analysis and interpretation of financial data to help determine the firm’s financial strategy, direction and progress. The DOF is also responsible for the development, preparation, implementation and maintenance of annual budgets, long-range financial plans and policies and procedures to support the organization.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) certification (though we would consider certain exceptional candidates without a valid CPA);
• An undergraduate degree majoring in accounting or business administration;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a comparable role, preferably in a professional services firm;
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive supervisory experience in financial management and staff supervision;
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, change management and relationship management skills and experience;
• Ability to work at both strategic and operational levels;
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage projects from inception to completion, on time and on budget;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and the ability to communicate to all levels of the organization;
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail with strong organizational skills in a demanding environment with multiple leaders;
• Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems; and
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections.

Cox & Palmer, PEI provides competitive compensation and benefits package including:

• Annual salary range of $100,000 – $125,000 which is determined by experience.
• Firm paid benefits.
• Group RSP Plan with employer matching contributions.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Annual Fitness Allowance.

• Strategic and operational direction and hands-on management of all firm financial matters;
• Providing guidance, leadership and supervision to the Finance personnel;
• Financial reporting to the COO, Managing Partner, Practice Group Leaders and Partners, including monthly statements, annual reports, informal internal audits and engagement with Cox & Palmer’s external accountant for year-end matters;
• Financial planning and analysis – serve as a resource to the COO/Managing Partner in the preparation, analysis and interpretation of financial data;
• Cash management and bank relations;
• Financial system development and maintenance;
• Process improvement and related change management – identifying and implementing improvements to the finance function that provide better data and controls and improves efficiency;
• Overseeing Partner draws, payables and receivables;
• Overseeing the maintenance of general ledger and partnership accounts;
• Budgeting – assist the COO with the development, implementation and monitoring of annual and/or long-term budgets or financial initiatives;
• Recommending hires, supervising, training and evaluating staff in the required financial functions of a law office; and
• Other tasks/responsibilities as assigned by the COO.