McDermott Will & Emery

Director of U.S. Accounting

McDermott Will & Emery$203K — $288K *
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA or MBA preferred
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong statistical analysis knowledge
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Robust project management and organizational skills
  • Ability to prioritize under tight deadlines and maintain confidentiality

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute strategic accounting plans for operational excellence
  • Establish robust accounting policies and governance frameworks
  • Lead implementation of accounting standards and financial controls
  • Ensure accuracy and transparency in financial reporting processes
  • Enhance financial reporting capabilities in partnership with leadership
  • Proactively analyze key financial trends and performance indicators
  • Drive cross-functional transformation in accounting systems and processes
  • Promote continuous improvement in accounting operations

Benefits

  • Outstanding career advancement opportunities
  • Competitive total rewards package
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Flexible hybrid work options
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Director of Accounting provides strategic leadership for the firm's U.S. accounting operations, financial reporting, general ledger integrity, and accounting governance. This role is responsible for developing and executing the accounting strategy, strengthening internal controls, driving process transformation, and ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of financial reporting across the organization.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute the firm's accounting strategy to support organizational growth, operational excellence, and long-term business objectives
  • Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices
  • Lead the evaluation and implementation of accounting standards, reporting requirements, and financial control enhancements
  • Oversee the integrity of the firm's general ledger and financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and transparency
  • Partner with leadership to enhance financial reporting capabilities, analytics, and business performance insights
  • Monitor key financial trends, performance indicators, and balance sheet activity to proactively identify risks and opportunities impacting the firm
  • Lead cross-functional transformation projects involving accounting systems, reporting platforms, workflows, and data governance
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives that streamline accounting operations, strengthen controls, and improve service delivery
  • Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess control performance and compliance with firm policies


Job Specifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field, CPA and/or MBA preferred
  • At least ten (10) years of related work experience
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
  • Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis concepts, frameworks, and principles
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
  • Ability to handle and maintain confidential information


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 $203,000 - $288,000
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 MWE 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-AR2

#LI-Hybrid

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.

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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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