Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.
Accounting Manager
The Accounting Manager is responsible for the preparation of the firm’s International/Intercompany Accounting reports, Treasury reporting, Bank Covenant reporting, preparation of selected balance sheet analyses, bank reconciliations, and vendor management. Essential duties are performed personally and in collaboration with other senior members of the Accounting and Finance department. The Accounting Manager maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and firm matters.
Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Responsible for reports to support the Shanghai office accrual reporting and communications with external local providers, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of Intercompany accounting.
Responsible for the preparation of monthly Intercompany reporting to various members of finance management and preparing recommendations for cash settlement, as appropriate.
Responsible for the monitoring of the firm’s bank accounts, preparation of daily cash reporting, and providing recommendations for cash balance consolidation.
Preparation of selected balance account monthly reconciliations in coordination with members of the Finance team to ensure timely resolution of identified issues.
Responsible for the preparation of bank reconciliations for all U.S. bank accounts, ensuring that all operational groups resolve outstanding issues.
Review requests for new vendors including confirmation of required information and ensure accurate entry into the accounting software.
Participate in the development of policies and procedures intended to strengthen controls in business operations (e.g., Travel Policy, Meals & Entertainment approval, etc.)
Recordkeeping and financial reporting for Katten’s Employee Welfare Benefit Plan (VEBA) and Charitable Foundation.
In collaboration with Accounting and Finance leadership, develop policies and procedures that result in increased staff efficiencies.
Other ad hoc requests and reporting as requested by Accounting and Finance leadership.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises and manages employees and is responsible for their overall direction, coordination, and evaluation. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the firm’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and making recommendations for hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent (CPA desired but not required). Minimum of 7 years progressive accounting experience with three or more years of supervisory experience. Experience at a management level at an AmLaw 50 law firm is preferred.
Experience with end-to-end financial operations with knowledge of partnership business models in a large legal or professional services financial department is required.
Knowledge of domestic and international accounting standards.
Strong general ledger, and technical analysis skills are required. Knowledge of the accounting processes and reporting requirements used by a large national law firm preferred.
Proficient experience with Elite and or Aderant accounting software is preferred.
Proficient with MS Excel spreadsheets, including features such as pivot tables, charts and graphs and formulas; Proficiency with MS Word and PowerPoint software.
Knowledgeable of current accounting trends and practices, recommending and implementing new policies and procedures.
Outstanding analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic with comprehensive knowledge of complex accounting/taxation principles and practices in order to conduct detailed analyses of accounts that effect partner taxation.
Exceptional organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information. Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e mail, or verbally.
Exhibit high degree of initiative and critical-thinking skills in exercising independent judgment and making decisions in establishing and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment. Ability to function in stressful situations and think strategically and analytically to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly.
Proactive with excellent problem resolution and follow-through skills. Ability to identify and analyze complex accounting/taxation issues and problems and to recommend and implement solutions. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, verifying numerical data, preparing various accounting/taxation and financial reports.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.
Supervisory/managerial skills necessary to interact and communicate with subordinates, provide instruction/direction/training, determine work priorities, and coordinate the activities of a work team.
Ability to understand and support firm goals, services, culture, and strategy in order to represent the firm in a positive, professional manner.
Ability and availability to travel to other firm locations when required.
We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution, parental leave, transportation fringe benefit program, back-up care option, generous paid time off policy, and long-term and short-term disability policies.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.
