McDermott Will & Emery

Senior Manager, AI & Analytics

McDermott Will & Emery • $158K — $246K *
Chicago, IL 60629Hybrid
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in analytics, reporting, financial systems, or AI.
  • 3+ years of leadership experience with a focus on team building.
  • Proven experience in establishing governance frameworks and strategic roadmaps.
  • Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial operations.
  • Familiarity with generative AI and intelligent automation.
  • Exceptional ability to communicate complex tech solutions to diverse audiences.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required; advanced degrees are preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Reporting, Data & AI Center of Excellence to establish strategy and roadmap.
  • Develop and prioritize initiatives for reporting, analytics, and AI across finance.
  • Define reporting standards and govern KPI definitions for effective data use.
  • Own the end-to-end AI program related to Accounting & Finance, ensuring value realization.
  • Identify AI and automation opportunities across financial processes.
  • Establish governance for responsible AI, including risk management and compliance.
  • Partner with IT on application integration, security, and data architecture.
  • Facilitate governance forums to prioritize initiatives and measure outcomes.

Benefits

  • Lead a pioneering AI program in the legal industry with significant impact.
  • Senior leadership role affecting operational strategies and governance.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders across multiple departments.
  • Engage in high-impact financial initiatives with executive backing.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

McDermott, Will & Schulte LLP is building one of the most forward-looking AI programs in the legal industry - and the financial intelligence layer beneath it demands equally ambitious leadership. The Senior Manager, AI & Analytics owns the Accounting & Finance Systems Reporting, Data & AI Center of Excellence - driving strategy, governance, and delivery of analytics, intelligent automation, and AI capabilities that power the firm's financial operations. This is a senior leadership role: build the roadmap, set the standards, lead the program, and deliver measurable impact.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead the Reporting, Data & AI Center of Excellence - establishing strategy, governance, operating standards, and a multi-year roadmap for the function
  • Develop and maintain a prioritized portfolio of reporting, analytics, automation, and AI initiatives across the Accounting & Finance organization
  • Define and govern reporting standards, KPI definitions, and semantic models - driving data stewardship, self-service analytics, executive dashboards, and enterprise intelligence
  • Own the Accounting & Finance AI program end-to-end - intake, prioritization, governance, implementation, training, adoption, and value realization
  • Identify opportunities to apply AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation across Contract-to-Cash, Invoice-to-Pay, and Plan-to-Report
  • Establish responsible AI governance including controls, transparency, auditability, risk management, and compliance
  • Partner with Information Technology on application strategy, integrations, security, data architecture, and governance
  • Lead governance forums to prioritize initiatives, monitor progress, and measure business outcomes
  • Develop and mentor team members while fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation


WHAT YOU BRING

  • 10+ years of progressive experience in analytics, reporting, financial systems, automation, AI, or digital transformation
  • 3+ years of leadership experience, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams
  • Proven ability to establish governance frameworks, operating models, and strategic roadmaps
  • Strong command of accounting principles, financial operations, reporting, internal controls, and data governance
  • Working knowledge of generative AI, intelligent automation, prompt engineering, and responsible AI practices
  • Exceptional ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable technology solutions - communicating equally well to a CFO and an engineer
  • Outstanding communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Computer Science, or related field required
  • Master's degree, MBA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent advanced credential preferred


Preferred
  • Professional services or legal industry experience
  • Experience supporting enterprise financial systems and reporting environments
  • Experience leading enterprise AI adoption or governance initiatives
  • Background in systems integration, workflow automation, or modern application delivery


WHY MWS
  • Lead one of the most ambitious AI programs in the legal industry - from the financial core outward
  • Senior leadership scope - own the full stack from roadmap to delivery to governance
  • Strategic partnerships across Accounting, Finance, IT, and executive leadership
  • High-impact programs - Contract-to-Cash, Invoice-to-Pay, Plan-to-Report - with executive sponsorship and real investment


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 $158,000 - $246,000

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.

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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