Finance Operations Manager

Global Legal Services | Operational Strategy | Financial & Matter ManagementThe Legal Finance Operations Manager plays a critical role within a global legal operations function, supporting the delivery of high?quality operational services across complex legal matters and client portfolios. Reporting to a senior legal operations leader, this role is responsible for managing day?to?day operational workflows, supporting matter?level financial oversight, and partnering closely with legal teams and cross?functional stakeholders to enhance service delivery.This position involves ownership of operational processes, coordination with external service providers, and preparation of financial and performance reporting. The Manager will collaborate with senior leadership to implement process improvements and technology solutions and will actively supervise and develop junior legal operations team members.Success in this role requires strong relationship?building skills, sound operational judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The Manager is expected to model high standards of client service and contribute to a culture of operational excellence and innovation.Responsibilities:Operational Excellence & Process EnablementImplement and maintain standardized operational workflows across assigned legal matters, adapting frameworks as requiredLead process mapping and operational reviews to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunitiesExecute implementation plans aligned with departmental and organizational objectivesServe as a primary point of contact for operational guidance and support to legal teamsMonitor adherence to agreed workflows and escalate risks or issues as necessaryContribute creative and practical solutions to operational challengesFinancial Management & ReportingProvide financial and operational oversight across a portfolio of legal mattersSupport budget development, cost tracking, and variance analysis in collaboration with legal and finance stakeholdersConduct financial modeling, profitability assessments, and portfolio?level analysis to support decision?makingPrepare and maintain dashboards and reports measuring matter status, resourcing, and performance metricsCoordinate with finance and compliance teams on billing, invoice processing, and outside counsel managementAnalyze trends to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for service enhancementCross?Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder EngagementFoster collaborative relationships between internal legal teams, external counsel, and service providersAct as an operational liaison to support coordination, communication, and delivery across matter workstreamsPartner with functions such as pricing, legal project management, finance, technology, innovation, and business developmentSupport preparation and delivery of presentations and materials for senior stakeholdersTeam Leadership & Capability DevelopmentProvide line management, coaching, and development support to junior team membersEncourage continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth within the teamStay informed on legal operations trends, tools, and emerging best practicesParticipate in initiatives to implement scalable tools, processes, and methodologiesExperience & Skills:Demonstrated experience in legal operations or a comparable professional services environmentExperience supporting complex, multi?jurisdictional legal matters and coordinating with external counselProven ability to supervise, mentor, and support junior professionalsStrong cross?functional collaboration skills, including experience working with finance, pricing, or technology teamsProficiency with legal technology platforms such as eBilling systems, extranets, collaboration tools, and document management systems; familiarity with data analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI)Strong analytical capability with experience preparing and interpreting financial and operational reportsExcellent organizational and time?management skills with ability to manage competing prioritiesClear, confident interpersonal and communication skills, including engagement with senior stakeholdersProactive, solutions?oriented approach with sound judgment around issue resolution and escalationAdaptable and resilient in fast?paced, evolving environmentsComfort working with globally distributed teams and diverse culturesEducation & Qualifications:Strong academic background; postgraduate education in law or a related field is advantageousFormal project management certification (e.g., PMP, APMQ) desirable but not required3+ years of relevant professional experience, ideally within a client?facing or cross?functional settingCompensation: $140,000 - $230,000