Job Description

We are recruiting for a Head of FP&A to join our Finance team in London.

Department purpose

Achieving the firm's strategy requires a world class Finance department to work with the decision makers. Our teams add value through the services provided, managing compliance and providing information and insight. This is achieved by having a collaborative and high performing team that builds relationships with the Partners and other decision-makers in the firm so that they trust us to advise them on commercial, financial and technical matters.

Role purpose

Lead the Group FP&A team and be a financial advisor to the business as part of the Group Finance Team. Senior qualified accountant professional with experience across the breadth of finance with a particular focus on business performance and planning. The role expectations and deliverables will flex according to the demands in the business and finance initiatives taking place. There are regular responsibilities which align to activities and annual processes within the Firm.

Role and responsibilities

Strategy and Finance LeadershipSupport delivery of the Firms strategic objectives and Finance's strategy Work the Head of Strategic Investment to develop a robust approach to financial planning and analysis by implementing a methodical approach and structure for the team to deliver to Providing well considered financial advice to be used in leadership decision-making processes through being at the forefront of FP&A methodologies and approaches Proactive and long term approach to business improvement projects, demonstrating thought leadership and taking into consideration non-finance elements and wider business impacts by working with other leaders across the Firm Present to, and get buy-in from, stakeholders on initiatives being considered Work collaboratively with Heads across the Group Finance team on joint projects Lead and manage the Group FP&A team


Role ContentBe an active member of the global finance leadership team; participating in setting the strategy for the global function, operational decision making, people development and influencing discussions. Part of the group finance leadership team which determines the direction and priorities for team. Be available to participate in, and in some cases lead, group team projects and proactively share knowledge and function as an advisor to the team. Business financial performance analysis and monitoring. Reporting to leadership to provide insight and escalating areas that require attention. Focussed on the commercial success of the business and opportunities. Negotiating with others to contribute credibly to discussions at the most senior level of the organization. Responsible for: + the annual budget process and periodic forecasts during the year
+ the rolling three-year Investment Plan process, outputs for executive use, reporting and use cases
+ functional ownership of the Budgeting and Planning Software in conjunction with the Head of Finance Systems
Design, develop and deliver financial information with a business narrative to support executive groups and financial led processes and decisions. This requires not to only focus on the financials but to understand the business and what current objectives are, market conditions and other external factors. Deliver information and insight to support the Firm's executive groups through collaborating with Practice Group COOs and Office / Regional CFOs. Lead finance work streams (with our tax team) on Firm wide / management projects such as new offices, business restructuring, business closures and such like. Work across the business as a credible subject matter expert and as a finance ambassador on cross-functional projects, business change initiatives and generally to contribute to the business success by enabling discussions and solutions based on a deep understanding of issues and potential solutions. Build up a thorough understanding off all areas of finance, systems, and the business. Provide FP&A training to the global finance community and share approaches and best practices Assist with designing and delivering fee earner training to improve financial and commercial awareness


Team management and leadershipSet team strategy, goals and objectives and lead change and drive ambition within the team to be operating at the highest levels. Manage team performance to ensure their responsibilities are delivered throughout the planning cycle, business performance activities and in supporting leadership through financial information and insights. Proactively seek continual improvement through adoption and embedding technology, procedural improvements and process improvement, being out in the business and an understanding of the wider market and FP&A trends with a focus on enhancing business information and improving performance Develop talent to deliver the next generation of leaders Manage, develop and mentor a team of FP&A experts through engagement and inclusion of the team members whilst growing their personal positions and knowledge Develop close relationships with the wider Group Finance team as part of a peer group


Competencies for success



This role will be called upon by senior stakeholders to participate in strategic discussions and initiatives for which they require financial support and guidance. This will require the individual to take responsibility for the finance participation and function as trusted advisor which will require a thorough understanding of the commercial business, market and our practices and sectors.

Strong finance background - an ACA (or equivalent) accountant who has moved in business partnering and has significant PQE (minimum ten years post qualified experience) finance / commercial and analytical Requires a blend of financial expertise, stakeholder management and influencing, strategic acumen and ability to demonstrate thought leadership and agile thinking, outside traditional financial reporting and modelling Able to operate effectively in an ambiguous decision-making environment and a consultive partnership environment Highly credible communicator who is competent working with senior stakeholders Resilient individual who is a pro-active self-starter with drive, enthusiasm, tenacity and is solutions and goal orientated Ability to build strategic approaches and processes from scratch and all that is required to bed in such items Able to develop effective working relationships across all areas of the Firm and is a collaborative and team player Proficiency in using technology and able to further the use of technology or tech approaches to the work Previous experience in a global professional service organisation required, preferably in a 'head office'/ group function
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.



We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.



We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.



Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (

i.e.

three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.



We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.



Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.



What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.