About the RoleThe Lead - Finance & Accounting Services, United States is an integral part of Latham's Global Finance team. This role will be responsible for supporting U.S. practice offices and Global Finance through a combination of accounting expertise, operational support, process improvement, and technology-enabled solutions, while supporting Finance & Accounting Services across practice offices, including budgeting, expense management, accounts payable, nominal and recoverable costs, charitable contributions, and related non-billing activities. This role will be located in our New York office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.
Responsibilities & QualificationsOther key responsibilities include:
- Applying solid accounting principles, financial controls, and firm policies to review transactions, research issues, prepare analyses, and resolve practice office and
- our Global Services Office requests
- Assisting with annual budget processes, including compilation of inputs, review of operational expenses, variance and payee/department-level analysis, and follow-up with local office and business contacts
- Reviewing and documenting finance and accounting processes to identify root causes, control gaps, training needs, and opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and service quality across offices
- Participating in automation and technology initiatives (e.g., SharePoint and Power Platform workflows, reporting enhancements), including business requirements, user acceptance testing, validation of outputs, and post-implementation support
- Using Excel, reporting tools, and financial systems to analyze data, identify trends or exceptions, and prepare clear summaries for management review and stakeholder discussions
- Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains
We'd love to hear from you if you:
- Exhibit analytical skills, including the ability to interpret financial data, analyze variances, identify exceptions, perform detailed reviews, and summarize findings clearly
- Display a strong accounting foundation, including the ability to understand, analyze, and apply accounting principles to financial transactions, reconciliations, reporting, and operational decision-making
- Possess a high level of attention to detail, with the ability to review and proofread work to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance
And have:
- A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field
- A CPA, CPA candidate, or other relevant professional certification, preferably
- A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, audit, financial operations, or related professional services experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of cumulative experience
- Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, reconciliations, accounts payable, expense management, reporting, process documentation, or financial systems, preferably
- Experience participating in process improvement, system implementation, data analysis, automation, workflow, or reporting initiatives, preferably
Benefits & Additional InformationSuccessful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham's comprehensive benefit program which includes:
- Healthcare, life and disability insurance
- A generous 401k plan
- At least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure
- Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)
- Professional development programs
- Employee discounts
- Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff
Pay RangeUSD $140,000.00 - USD $160,000.00 /Yr.
