McDermott Will & Emery

Accounting & Finance Systems Manager

McDermott Will & Emery • $138K — $194K *
Chicago, IL 60629Hybrid
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or related field required; Master's preferred.
  • At least 7 years of experience in systems implementation, product ownership, or process improvement roles, ideally in Finance operations.
  • Expertise in Contract-to-Cash processes including Billing, Collections, and Revenue Management; familiarity with integrated enterprise financial systems preferred.
  • Proven ability to translate business needs into technical documentation and lead projects from concept to deployment.
  • Strong understanding of internal controls, audit requirements, and operational risks in financial settings.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of bridging technical concepts with non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proven independent work ethic with the capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Support and enhance the firm's Contract-to-Cash systems, focusing on billing and collections improvements.
  • Collaborate with Accounting and IT to shape and manage the strategic Contract-to-Cash roadmap.
  • Lead process analysis initiatives to identify inefficiencies and strengthen controls across financial workflows.
  • Document business needs through clear process maps and functional specifications to ensure auditability.
  • Oversee the delivery of system enhancements, ensuring alignment with internal partners and external vendors.
  • Manage vendor relationships for the Contract-to-Cash portfolio, including issue resolution and functionality review.
  • Implement automation and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Benefits

  • Outstanding career opportunities with room for growth.
  • Competitive total rewards package, including performance-based bonuses.
  • Discretionary bonus eligibility for full-time positions.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness resources.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Accounting & Finance Systems Manager supports and advances the firm's Accounting and Finance systems and related processes through a combination of day-to-day operational support and technology-driven improvement initiatives. This position partners with Accounting, IT, and other firmwide stakeholders to deliver system enhancements, process standardization, automation, and control improvements for functions and systems in the firm's Contract-To-Cash product delivery lane. The Accounting & Finance Systems Manager works under minimal supervision. This position relies on significant experience and judgment to plan and accomplish objectives aligned with the department's roadmap.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Support and continuously improve the firm's Contract-to-Cash enabling systems and functions including billing, revenue management, client arrangements, A/R, collections and related workflows, through operational support and technology-driven enhancements
  • Partner with Accounting and IT stakeholders to define and maintain the Contract-to-Cash roadmap, including priorities, dependencies, timelines, and measurable outcomes aligned with departmental goals
  • Lead discovery and process analysis to identify pain points, reduce manual effort and rework, improve cycle times, and strengthen end-to-end controls across Contract-to-Cash lifecycles
  • Translate business needs into clear delivery artifacts, including process maps, requirements and user stories, functional designs, acceptance criteria, test plans and results, and implementation documentation, to support auditability and repeatable execution
  • Deliver end-to-end system enhancements and projects, including intake, design, configuration, testing, deployment, and adoption, coordinating with internal partners and vendors as needed
  • Manage day-to-day vendor application partnerships for the Contract-to-Cash portfolio, including relationship management, issue escalation, release awareness, and evaluation of new functionality and product offerings
  • Identify, pilot, and implement automation, AI, and emerging technology capabilities, leveraging vendor-delivered functionality where appropriate, to improve efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and user experience
  • Ensure system changes align with internal controls, data governance standards, and audit requirements, and assess and manage downstream impacts to the General Ledger, reporting, and related financial processes
  • Define, track, and analyze key operational and adoption metrics, including cycle time, exception rates, rework drivers, control exceptions, and system usage, to drive continuous improvement and prioritize work
  • Promote standardization and scalable adoption through documentation, training, and self-service resources that reduce support burden and improve consistency
  • Collaborate with the broader Accounting and Finance Systems team to align solutions with firm standards and reusable patterns while remaining accountable for Contract-to-Cash outcomes and delivery


Job Specifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field required; Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred
  • At least seven (7) years of experience in systems implementation, product ownership, or process improvement roles, preferably supporting Accounting or Finance operations
  • Experience with Contract-to-Cash processes and systems, including Pricing, Billing, A/R, Collections, Cash Applications, Revenue Management and Client Arrangements; familiarity with integrated enterprise financial systems strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into technical deliverables and lead initiatives from concept through deployment
  • Strong knowledge of internal controls, auditability, and operational risk considerations in financial processes
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences and influence cross-functional stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, and deliver on commitments


Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $138,000 - $194,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

#LI-EF1

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
  • Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds


Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

About McDermott Will & Emery

McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Our lawyers represent a wide range of commercial, industrial and financial enterprises, both publically and privately held. McDermott has more than 1,100 lawyers located in 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. Further extending our reach in Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai. McDermott partners with clients to accomplish their business objectives by providing superior counsel and service. The expansion of our international platform has supported numerous cross-border transactions and litigation matters, while providing the experience necessary to offer corporate, tax, labor and benefits, competition, intellectual property and regulatory counsel to clients across all industries. In the years to come, we will continue to expand geographically and enhance our existing practices and industry-focused strengths, and are committed to building from these strengths in order to best serve our clients and communities. McDermott has a long history of social responsibility and supporting the communities in which our people live and work. We believe it is our obligation to embrace our communities and promote their well being through pro bono work, community service, charitable giving, environmental stewardship and promoting diversity.

McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Joining McDermott Will & Emery presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance a career at a global leader in legal services. The firm is renowned for fostering professional growth and embracing innovation through a culture that values diversity and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

McDermott Will & Emery offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The firm seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players ready to contribute to a dynamic team. From seasoned attorneys to support staff, McDermott Will & Emery is continuously hiring to enhance their service capabilities.

Internship Programs

Internships at McDermott Will & Emery provide a robust platform for early-career individuals to gain significant, hands-on experience in a highly professional environment. Interns are immersed in the culture of excellence, working closely with experienced professionals while engaging in real-world legal challenges.

Career Growth and Development

McDermott Will & Emery is committed to the professional development of its team members. The firm offers unmatched training, development programs, and leadership workshops to ensure career trajectories are not only met but exceeded. Employees are encouraged to leverage these opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

The firm holds a strong commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. McDermott Will & Emery believes in empowering all employees through diversity training that enriches the professional environment and fosters a deeper understanding and respect among colleagues.

Benefits and Culture

McDermott Will & Emery prides itself on offering competitive benefits that reflect the firm’s appreciation for its team members. Benefits are designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of all employees and their families. The firm's culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and collaboration, making it a prime environment for professional fulfillment.

Networking and Innovation

Networking within McDermott Will & Emery is supported through various events, seminars, and collaborative projects that encourage connections and foster innovative thinking. Employees are encouraged to build networks that can support personal and professional growth.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at McDermott Will & Emery, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through the firm’s Careers page. The hiring process may include multiple stages of interviews to ensure a mutual fit both for the candidate and the company.

Stay Connected with McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Interested professionals can stay informed about new openings and company news by subscribing to job alert emails. These updates provide valuable insights into the firm and the legal industry, helping potential candidates find the right opportunities.

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Learn more about McDermott Will & Emery
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Founded
1934
* Ladders Estimates

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