Chief Financial Officer - Professional Services

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Position Overview: We are looking for an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the finance function of a reputed law firm. The CFO will be responsible for the firm's overall financial strategy, planning, profitability, cash-flow management, taxation, compliance, partner reporting and financial governance. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in a professional services environment, preferably with exposure to law firms, consulting firms, Big 4 / accounting firms or other partnership-led organisations. Key Responsibilities: Financial Strategy & Planning: - Develop and implement the firm's overall financial strategy in alignment with its business objectives. - Lead annual budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and variance analysis. - Develop short- and long-term financial plans and scenarios based on business plans, projects and growth objectives. - Analyse the firm's financial performance, strengths, risks and areas of improvement, and provide actionable strategic recommendations. - Support the Managing Partners / CEO in evaluating new practice areas, office expansion, strategic investments and other business initiatives. Financial Performance & Profitability: - Monitor and drive revenue, profitability, cash flow and working-capital performance. - Track and analyse partner-wise, practice-area-wise and matter-wise profitability. - Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, improved margins and operational efficiency. - Prepare regular financial and business-performance reports for the Managing Partners and Partners. Billing, Collections & Revenue Management: - Oversee client billing, revenue recognition, WIP and debtor management. - Monitor billing efficiency, collections, outstanding receivables and realisation rates. - Ensure speed, accuracy and discipline in billing and client payment processes. Treasury, Banking & Fund Management: - Lead the firm's banking, treasury and cash-management activities. - Maintain adequate liquidity and ensure stable and efficient cash flow. - Manage short- and long-term borrowing requirements and fund mobilisation. Taxation, Compliance & Financial Governance: - Oversee taxation, accounting, statutory and regulatory compliance requirements. - Establish and strengthen financial controls, policies, processes, approval mechanisms and governance frameworks. Partner & Leadership Support: - Manage financial aspects of partner compensation, distributions and profitability. - Act as a strategic finance partner to the Managing Partners / CEO. Team Leadership: - Lead, mentor and develop the Finance & Accounts team. - Build a strong, process-driven and technology-enabled finance function. Candidate Profile: - CA preferred; MBA in Finance from a reputed institution will be an advantage. - 15-20 years of relevant experience, including significant experience in a senior finance leadership role. - Strong experience in professional services, with candidates from law firms, Big 4, consulting / accounting firms or other partnership-led organisations preferred. - Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to convert financial data into actionable business insights. - Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder-management and team-building skills. Key Competencies: Financial Strategy, FP&A, Professional Services Finance, Partner Reporting, Billing & Collections, WIP & Revenue Management, Profitability Analysis, Cash-Flow Management, Treasury & Banking, Taxation, Financial Controls, MIS & Financial Reporting, Financial Modelling, Cost Optimisation, Risk Management, Leadership.