Business Manager
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Management & Reporting:
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Review, interpret, and analyze the firm's financial reports and underlying data to provide leadership with meaningful business insights and actionable recommendations.
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Identify financial trends, variances, risks, and opportunities and develop appropriate responses or corrective actions.
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Drive improvements in billing practices, collections, and the overall financial performance of client relationships in partnership with the Director of Finance and attorneys.
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Analyze the financial and business implications of client rates, discounts, alternative fee arrangements, and other pricing decisions, providing clear recommendations to firm leadership and attorneys.
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Review business and vendor contracts from a financial and commercial perspective, identifying pricing concerns, financial risks, renewal provisions, and other issues.
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Lead budgeting efforts and assist with P&L preparation, forecasting, financial planning, and other business analyses as requested by firm leadership.
Business Operations & Process Improvement:
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Serve as a key business resource and sounding board for the Managing Partner, providing substantive analysis and well-developed recommendations.
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Develop analyses and recommendations that directly support firm leadership's decision-making.
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Maintain a broad view of firm operations and proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and client service.
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Evaluate administrative processes and implement improvements in collaboration with relevant teams.
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Oversee relationships with key vendors and service providers from a business and operational perspective.
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Coordinate with attorneys, administrative personnel, outside professionals, and vendors to ensure business matters are handled effectively.
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Help leadership assess the business implications of investments, expenditures, client arrangements, and other initiatives.
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Take ownership of approved business initiatives and help ensure effective implementation.
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Assist with office operations, technology, insurance, facilities, and other business functions as needed.
Executive & Administrative Support:
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Support the Executive Committee by coordinating meeting logistics, preparing materials, tracking action items, and ensuring follow-through on committee decisions.
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Handle miscellaneous administrative matters arising in the ordinary course of firm operations with sound judgment and discretion.
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Evaluate vendor performance and cost-effectiveness and recommend changes or alternatives when appropriate.
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Work closely with firm leadership to ensure day-to-day business and administrative operations are efficient and financially disciplined.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
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10+ years of experience in a Business Manager or related role, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
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Strong financial analytical skills, including experience reviewing forecasts, expenses, invoices, financial reports, and P&Ls.
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Ability to analyze financial information, identify root causes, evaluate options, and develop practical recommendations.
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Proven ability to work effectively across departments, manage competing priorities, and hold others accountable for deliverables.
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Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with attorneys, staff, vendors, clients, and firm leadership.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
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High degree of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
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Strong financial literacy and understanding of the drivers of a firm's financial performance.
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Hands-on, proactive approach to operations with strong follow-through.
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Ability to identify problems and opportunities and address them proactively.
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Ability to communicate complex business and financial issues clearly and effectively.
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Ability to influence, coordinate, and drive initiatives forward without formal decision-making authority.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Prior experience in an insurance defense or litigation-focused law firm.
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Experience with legal billing systems, financial software, or practice management platforms.
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Familiarity with vendor contract negotiation and management.
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Experience supporting C-suite or senior executive leadership.
BENEFITS:
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Competitive base salary of $120,000–$170,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
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Performance-based annual bonus.
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
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401(k).
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Paid time off.
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Life insurance.
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Twelve paid holidays.
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Parental leave.
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Military leave.
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Mobile phone stipend.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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Primarily performed in a professional office environment.
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Daily in-office presence required during the initial four months of employment.
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Hybrid work arrangement may be considered after four months.
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Collaborative environment involving attorneys, administrative staff, firm leadership, clients, vendors, and outside professionals.
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Occasional travel to the firm's branch offices or firm events.
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Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced professional services environment.
