Finance Project Manager - GL, AP, AR, Billing/Invoicing, Elite 3E

Job Description

Finance Project Manager - GL, AP, AR, Billing/Invoicing, Elite 3EOur leading law firm client are looking to recruit a Finance Project Manager (GL, AP, AR, Billing/Invoicing, Elite 3E) on a permanent basis to join a team of project management professionals in the central Project Management Office (PMO).The right Finance Project Manager (GL, AP, AR, Billing/Invoicing, Elite 3E) will have strong understanding and experience of finance operations and be able to provide the delivery leadership, knowledge and expertise to drive further value from our recent3E Practice Management System implementation working alongside the product owner, the International Finance Director, Senior Management Team, our fee earners/Partners, the technical delivery team and the finance SMEs.You must be able to demonstrate successful delivery of finance system (preferably 3E) change projects across business functions, proving confidence with IT and Business Focussed change projects through their approach and ultimately, the outcomes. The projectmanager will have significant experience of finance-focussed IT and business change projects which will enable them to drive a backlog of finance system improvements and enhancements - and work closely with the Project Board and Focus Groups in providing structureand planning to help focus and deliver on the prioritised objectives.Based in London, but working with stakeholders across the globe, the project manager will oversee all aspects of the continuing 3E roadmap delivery project, from scope definition and prioritization with functional focus groups, to structuring developmentand delivery tranches and realising the value and return on investment.Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Ensure the project is managed with a defined scope to time, cost and quality constraints.
• Structure and document the project stages through concept, start up, initiation, delivery and close.
• Provide day to day project leadership to motivate project teams to deliver against agreed project objectives and schedules.
• Proactively manage third party suppliers to efficiently and reliably deliver services and systems relevant to the in-flight finance projects.
• Manage project stakeholders and sponsors across both fee earner and business services teams to ensure alignment of objectives, expectations, priorities and activities.
• Elicit business needs and translate them into clearly documented and agreed requirements.
• Work with PMO and Portfolio governance boards to ensure appropriate resources, skill sets and budgets are available in order to meet all project targets.
• Undertake financial project management, in liaison with the PMO, finance and delivery teams.
• Provide clear, informative and accurate project status reports demonstrating progress against milestones, project expenditure against budget, and highlighting pertinent risks and issues to stakeholders.
• Support the PMO by providing expertise in the refinement of project governance and frameworks.
• Facilitate opportunities to uplift capability in Project Management across the PMO.

Key attributes and skills

• Solid knowledge, understanding and experience of financial operations (GL, AP, AR, Billing/Invoicing, Operational and Management Reporting)
• Strong working knowledge of a modern legal practice management systems - ideally Elite 3E - and peripheral finance systems.
• Demonstrable success in Law Firm finance operations project delivery, through a full life cycle using industry-standard methodologies.
• Ability to work in a fast-changing environment and to drive clarity out of uncertainty with sound judgment under pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in order to engage with stakeholders at all levels, with the professional gravitas to effectively lead and facilitate executive-level meetings/steering groups.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills at all levels of seniority in order to gain optimal decisions from divergent stakeholder opinions.
• Ability to successfully manage multi-disciplinary teams across global locations.
• Share best practice examples of project delivery frameworks, tool & techniques, templates for ongoing sustainability.
• Be willing to challenge/remove blockers that stop the project managers successfully completing their jobs, be they from internal or external factors.
• Be prepared to wear more than one hat when necessary and to "roll your sleeves up" to make things happen.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness in dealing with global stakeholders and suppliers.
• A strong customer-centric approach.
• A strong team player, willing to work closely with colleagues from multiple teams in a mutually collaborative manner.
• Flexibility and pragmatism in dealing with change, whilst maintaining focus on objectives.
• A strong desire to solve problems and contribute to a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Knowledge and experience of Microsoft office software, including Project, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Qualifications and experience

• Prince2, APM or other recognised project management qualifications/experience (essential)
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner (desirable)
• Strong experience and understanding of delivery methodologies across Waterfall to Agile - when and how to implement the right model.
• 5+ years experience as a Project Manager within a Law Firm or other professional services organisation - delivering finance operations focussed technology and business change projects.