Senior Financial Analyst (Variance Reporting)

Senior Financial Analyst (Variance Reporting)

Cooley is seeking a Financial Analyst (Variance Reporting) to join the Accounting and Finance team.

Position summary : The Financial Analyst (Variance Reporting) is responsible for monthly expense variance analysis, regular use of Microsoft SQL for ad-hoc reporting and the annual budgeting / forecast process.

In addition, responsible for the creation and distribution of firm-wide financial reports, office and department expense variances including assistance in the annual and monthly budget process, as well as other financial services support as listed below.

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following :

Position responsibilities :

Variance reporting :

• Monthly production of variance reports by office, department and GL accompanied by insightful and concise analysis as to why the firm is over / under Plan on expenses by GL
• Preparation of ad-hoc reports using SQL for attorneys and executive management relating to expense and revenue variances, hours / billings / profitability etc.
• Development and maintenance of new variance reports and / or reporting procedures

Budget process :

• Assist in monthly budgeting tasks, annual mid-year forecast process and annual planning cycle
• Manage and analyze data in master tables in the Advanced Financial Solutions ("AFS") Budgeting database
• Manage and maintain data links between AFS and Elite 3E financial system, including synchronization procedures, budget uploads, and data downloads
• Responsible for, or assist in, production of various reports, work files, documents, etc., used in the annual planning cycle and the mid-year forecast cycle

Capital reporting :

• Participate in determination and oversight of appropriate accounting treatment for capital acquisitions
• Make preliminary determination of appropriate asset amortization and depreciation lives for purchased assets, including preparation of routine and special reporting as well as year-end reconciliation and journal entries
• Perform preliminary review of data input for annual capital budget, prepare modification of capital budget entries as needed, participate in capital budget review process including preparation of budget reports

Surveys / other :

• Assist with the preparation of legal finance surveys with Wells Fargo and Citibank including all data gathering, manipulation, analysis and submission
• Coordinate with and assist other Financial Analysts and Director of Finance as performance of direct responsibilities above impacts reporting by others
• Active involvement in the design, development, and / or testing of requested changes to either the AFS Budgeting tool or Elite 3E software as well as activities relating to software upgrades
• Identify software system bugs as well as system improvements in conjunction with other members of the Accounting / Finance department
• Provide back-up support for other Financial Analysts (i.e., cross training for vacations, leaves of absence, etc.)
• All other duties as assigned or required

Skills and experience :

Required :

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended and / or weekend hours, as required
• 5+ years working experience in an analytical position involving financial modeling
• Experience using SQL preferred, but extensive experience with Excel and demonstrated superior knowledge of database management would be considered as a substitute
• Understanding of segment reporting concepts and how these relate to structure of General Ledger
• Understanding of full-time equivalency (FTE) measurements used in reporting

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• Prior law firm, or professional services firm, experience
• Experience using Elite 3E software and metrics

Competencies :

• Exceptionally strong analytical writing skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to organize and assimilate large quantities of numerical data into concise, professionally written analysis in a decision-oriented format for executive management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding firm information
• Possess a continual focus on improving reporting process efficiencies

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices.

EOE.

The expected annual pay range for this position is $110,000 - $155,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate.

We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and / or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and / or adults and other parental support benefits.

In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 21 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year.

We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.