Director of Finance and Operations - Gravel & Shea

• Client: Gravel & Shea
• Website: https://gravelshea.com/
• Job Title: Director of Finance and Operations
• Location: Burlington, Vermont

About the Firm

Gravel & Shea is a full-service, mid-sized law firm located in Burlington, Vermont, with a history spanning almost 70 years. As one of Vermont’s leading law firms, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals through our diverse practice areas, including Corporate & Business, Employment, Trust and Estate Planning, Family Law, Litigation, and Real Estate. Our culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and a client-centric approach, creating an environment where teamwork and expertise thrive to ensure the highest level of service and dedication to our clients.

About this Position

Gravel & Shea is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations with strong management and leadership experience, willing to take a hands-on approach as necessary. This dynamic position encompasses both strategic and tactical responsibilities across finance and operations for our 40-person firm. Key priorities include long-term planning, financial goal setting, and comprehensive oversight of all financial and office operations. The Director will play a pivotal role in guiding our firm's long-term financial health and operational excellence while actively contributing to the day-to-day success of the organization.

Responsibilities

Finance

• Develops and oversees the annual budget, along with preparing monthly revenue reports to track financial performance.
• Manages budget variances and implements cost control measures to optimize financial resources.
• Assists in client accounting operations, including overseeing the timekeeping program and managing accounts receivable to ensure timely collections.
• Responsible for maintaining and administering banking and trust accounts to uphold financial integrity and compliance.
• Prepares accurate and timely monthly financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement) for review by firm management and stakeholders.
• Coordinates accounting processes for real estate and corporate closings, facilitating the preparation of wires and checks from the firm’s IOLTA account.
• Supervises the firm’s bookkeeping functions, ensuring meticulous reconciliation of bank statements, meticulous review of expenses, and authorization of vendor payments.
• Compiles mid-year and year-end attorney compensation data, generating comprehensive distribution reports for partners.
• Conducts various financial analyses, including revenue, expense, client origination, and other reporting to support strategic decision-making.
• Develops and implements Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in collaboration with HR Manager, tailored to practice groups to monitor performance and drive productivity.
• Sets clear financial goals aligned with firm objectives, ensuring alignment and accountability across the firm.

 Operations

• Acts as a strategic partner to firm management, identifying and analyzing issues and trends in human resources, financial management, and operations to support informed decision-making.
• Oversees office renovations, maintenance, and repairs to ensure a safe and functional work environment.
• Collaborates with insurance brokers to evaluate, select, and maintain appropriate insurance policies that mitigate risks and protect firm assets.
• Develops and implements operational policies to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Lead and implement comprehensive succession planning strategies in collaboration with HR Manager, ensuring smooth transitions and continuity in leadership roles to sustain long-term organizational stability and growth.
• Oversees the Human Resources Manager, providing leadership and guidance in recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, and employee relations to support effective personnel operations and development.

Skills and Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in business management, finance, or a related field, with at least 5 years of progressive experience, preferably in a legal or professional services environment; OR a combination of education and related working experience demonstrating comparable knowledge and skills. 
• Proven experience in accurately preparing, interpreting, and communicating financial data and statements.
• Experience in strategic financial planning and goal setting aligned with organizational objectives.
• Proficiency in financial reporting, including the preparation, analysis, and presentation of financial statements and reports to support decision-making and strategic planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Office 365, as well as familiarity with bookkeeping, timekeeping, and billing systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• A commitment to collaborating with a growing team of legal professionals.
• Leadership abilities essential for data analysis, recommendation-making, and the objective management of complex employee relations issues, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in financial reporting, including the preparation, analysis, and presentation of financial statements and reports to support decision-making and strategic planning.

  Knowledge/Skills Preferred:

• Prior experience working with NetDocs document management and Juris billing system a plus

Benefits and Perks

Comprehensive Healthcare:

• Health insurance coverage with a choice of plans from BCBS of Vermont or MVP, with the Firm covering approximately 80% of the premium depending on the chosen plan.
• Option of a Health Savings Account (HSA) for High Deductible Plans (HDHP); alternatively, employees may choose a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if not opening an HSA.
• Dental and Vision coverage available at group rates.

Save for the Future:

• Generous 401(k) and profit sharing plan, with eligibility starting after 90 days for a 3% automatic employer contribution to the 401(k) and optional employee deferral.
• Profit sharing contributions available after one year of employment and active employment as of the last day of the calendar year.

Generous Paid Parental Leave:

• Four weeks of paid parental leave provided after one year of employment, allowing time to focus on and bond with a new child.

Remote Work Flexibility:

• Flexible hybrid work model offering the choice to work remotely two days per week, promoting work-life balance.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account:

• Option for employees to make pre-tax contributions to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.

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Gallagher, Flynn, & Company, LLP has been retained to conduct this search. While we appreciate all interest in this opportunity, only candidates most closely aligned with our search will be contacted.

Disclaimer: What's listed above is representative of the responsibilities of the position but is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change during employment at the company's discretion. Gallagher, Flynn and Company and our clients do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.