At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to
move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence:
collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and
gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the
brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and
strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of
their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they
will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
As one of the world's leading law firms, we serve a broad range of
clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and
other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and
alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial
and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and
internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and
sophisticated legal matters because we don't just meet industry
standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism
to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client
relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors.
With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20
offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we
are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.
Position Overview
Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a seasoned, results-orientated
Associate Director of Finance to lead the Finance department across
our Asia offices, working in partnership with Firm leadership to
execute strategic Finance initiatives across offices. This is a highly
visible role, and you will work closely with the Chief Financial
Officer, Director of Administration, Asia and partners/other key
stakeholders and your Finance team to deliver all Finance initiatives
across the region.
As the Associate Director of Finance, Asia, you oversee Asia
financial operations, including accounting, billing and collections,
accounts payable, tax and payroll activities, in addition to being
responsible for reporting and analysis of financial results.You will
also manage all Asia tax issues in collaboration with the Firmwide Tax Director.
As a leader, you will support, coach and motivate the Asia Finance
team in providing world-class financial services to our Asia
offices.You will exercise a high level of professionalism and
discretion while ensuring excellent client service and satisfaction in
all areas.
Job Responsibilities (This list is not exhaustive and
may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)
Manage, develop, and coach the Asia Finance team members,
comprised of approximately 13 personnel, to ensure effectiveness and
growth of the team; maintain awareness of employee morale by
creating an environment of open communication.
Provide financial management and analytical support to key
stakeholders (partners, directors and office managers) in the Asian Offices.
Review monthly operating statements and variance reports before
submission to partners.
Review reconciliation of financial data in the firm accounting
system to local system where necessary.
Review VAT returns and quarterly financial filings in China offices.
Closely collaborate with centralized accounting functions in
London and Chicago on local issues.
Evaluate and implement policies and procedures that maximize
efficiency and transparency in the delivery of financial services
within the Firm as well as ensure compliance with the Firm's
accounting policies.
Manage bank relationships and ensure compliance with local
banking/regulatory requirements; collaborate with Firmwide Treasury
function to ensure effective cash management practices.
Develop and/or lead change environment efforts across all phases
of projects and initiatives to drive the Firm's culture of
continuous improvement.
Overall responsibility for submission of annual financial budgets
and forecasts.
Proactive management of office expenses.
Responsible for monitoring and correctly accounting for client monies.
Manage and review working capital on a regular basis.
Proactive WIP and A/R management.
Responsible for ensuring all tax regulations are adhered to for
income and expenses.
Responsible for submission of all tax filings.
Overall responsibility for Asia offices payroll - outsourced to ADP.
Oversee the payroll process and all compliance reporting, HK
annual return and monthly IIT filing.
Responsible for cash management.
Qualifications
A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in a fast-paced,
challenging professional services environment. Experience in a large
global law firm is preferred.
A bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is
required; ACCA certification is desired.
Significant experience and knowledge of Hong Kong and China tax
matters is required.
Experience in managing a Finance team of 10+ people with a
demonstrated track record of successfully leading and mentoring a
team; able to engage staff while driving innovation and productivity.
Demonstrated high level of diplomacy, confidentiality, and
excellent judgement in navigating sensitive issues; influential with
the ability to lead and engage teams with the objective of
distinctive client services.
The candidate should be able to facilitate discussions to enable
people to collaborate with each other independently as well as
promote collaboration across multiple parties.
Proactive with excellent critical thinking and decision-making
skills; able to identify unique solutions to complex issues.
Proven change management skills.
Excellent command of English, Cantonese and Mandarin (both written
and oral).
Technologies/Software
Excellent IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
