About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com.

Department/Role overview

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the primary role of the Executive Manager - Finance will be to serve as a strategic and management leader in the Financial Management (FM) team.

The role will include a focus on coordinating the execution of strategic initiatives as well as coordinating operational, financial and administrative activities in the FM team, working with the CFO and FM leadership team.

This is a broad role, supporting delivery of key activity which will be both operational and strategic in nature to deliver the firm's strategic objectives.

Main responsibilities

Strategic planning and project management

• Work with the CFO and FM leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to drive business growth and improve operational effectiveness, including across the FM team.
• Coordinate execution of strategic projects and initiatives, including communicating actions, tracking progress and providing updates to the FM leadership team.
• Attend key meetings with stakeholders, with responsibility for agenda items and follow up actions.

Communication

• Facilitate communication and information flow between the CFO, the FM team, the Executive Team, the Board and various stakeholders to ensure alignment with the FM team's, and firm's, goals and objectives.
• Prepare material for the CFO and the FM leadership for effective communication across the firm.

Finance operations

• Coordinate routine reporting from the CFO and provide reporting (including analysis) in response to adhoc information requests.
• Coordinate the firm's response to external surveys, including dissemination of results, and collation of market data.

People matters

• Provide coordination support and assistance to the CFO in delivering across FM on people matters aligned to the firm's strategic agenda, including organisational structure, roles and responsibilities, training and addressing feedback from staff surveys.
• Provide coordination support and assistance to the CFO and the FM leadership team in the execution of significant annual processes, including staff performance reviews, promotions, remuneration reviews and objective setting.

Problem solving

• Assist the CFO in addressing challenges and solving problems, providing innovative solutions that align with the firm's strategic objectives.

Executive support

• Provide high level administrative support to the CFO, including agenda setting, meeting preparation, coordinating preparation of finance papers, and recording and follow-up on actions.
• Provide assistance with prioritisation of tasks across the FM team and assist the CFO in dealing with routine questions.
•  Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

• Previous experience in a business partnering role/professional services environment a definite advantage.
• Highly organised, strong on prioritisation, used to operating to tight timetables and with the ability to organise others.
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills with senior stakeholders, including outside of the FM team.
• Flexible approach to a changing environment, with a willingness to embrace new tasks and challenge others.
• A proven track record of success in an ambitious international business environment and strong commercial acumen.
• Analytical and numerate, with experience of working in a finance team. A good working understanding of a set of accounts.
• Good system skills, including advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills.

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.