Director of Budget

Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, is seeking a Director of Budget for its National Financial Services Department. The ideal candidate will be based in our Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm, or Chicago office. This position is responsible for the budget process, which includes creating and reviewing annual budgets and periodic forecasts, processes and protocols, analysis, reporting, and the advancement of efficiencies and improvements related to the budgeting process and tools.   

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the budgeting, forecasting, and long term planning processes
• Design, develop, and prepare budgeting models to assist in the planning and strategic decision making of the budget process
• Provide instruction and guidance and collaborate with and review budget proposals submitted from offices, practice groups and administrative departments
• Manage budget assignments and priorities
• Implement and monitor the firm's revenue and expense budgets on an annual and monthly basis
• Provide monthly variance analysis and other reporting as needed, including executive level presentations
• Create budget forecasts for utilization of current year funds and future year budget needs
• Responds to requests from leadership for budgetary analysis
• Evaluate and recommend budgeting and reporting tools that create efficiencies in the budget process through innovation, automation and self-service tools
• Ensure all budget processes align with the firm's goals
• Identify, flag, and analyze potential financial and budgetary risks
• Suggest improvements and strategies to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and reduce the budgeting cycle
• Perform duties and fulfill responsibilities that may, from time to time, include unrelated tasks

Communication & Coordination

• Ensure appropriate and timely communication with key budget partners and firm leadership
• In collaboration with firm leadership, ensure appropriate coordination of the budget with the firm's offices, practice groups, and administrative departments to establish budgetary objectives and ensure adherence to processes and procedures
• Prepare for and participate in meetings as needed, such as the Executive Committee or Finance Committee
• Participate in various ad hoc tasks related to the firm's budgeting needs

Other Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with 10 years of experience demonstrating increased responsibility
• Law firm experience preferred, but not required
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong technical skills including MS Excel

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Please submit your resume and salary requirements. EOE