Chief of Staff, Office of the CFO

The Chief of Staff to the CFO is a strategic partner and trusted advisor and liaison, responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of the CFO and the Finance leadership team. This role serves as a force multiplier-driving execution of key initiatives, ensuring operational alignment, and managing communications and priorities across the firm. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, discreet, and proactive leader with exceptional judgment, a deep understanding of financial operations in a professional services environment, and someone who is capable of operating in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. The CoS plays a critical role in supporting the strategic, operational, and administrative functions of the CFO's office, helping to drive key initiatives, manage cross-departmental projects, and ensure alignment across the firm's financial operations.

Essential Functions

Strategic Support
* Assist the CFO in developing and executing strategic initiatives across the Finance department and the broader Firm.
* Translate strategic goals into actionable plans and ensure timely execution across departments.
* Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
* Conduct research and analysis to support decision-making on financial, operational, and industry matters.
* Lead special projects and cross-functional initiatives, often involving Finance, Accounting, IT, Legal Operations, and Practice Management.

Project Management
* Lead or support cross-functional projects involving Finance, Accounting, IT, and other departments.
* Track progress on key initiatives and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
* Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants as needed.

Operational Oversight
* Monitor and manage the CFO's priorities, ensuring alignment with firm-wide goals.
* Draft communications on behalf of the CFO, including memos, emails, and talking points.
* Attend meetings with or on behalf of the CFO, capturing action items and ensuring follow-through.
* Manage the CFO's agenda, ensuring alignment with firm priorities and strategic objectives.
* Facilitate decision-making by preparing briefing materials, synthesizing data, and coordinating stakeholder input.
* Monitor progress on key initiatives and ensure accountability across the Finance team.

Stakeholder Engagement
* Serve as a liaison between the CFO and senior leadership, practice group leaders, and administrative departments.
* Build relationships across the firm to facilitate collaboration and information flow.
* Support the CFO in managing relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, banks, and vendors.

Team & Culture Enablement
* Support internal communications and change management efforts related to financial operations.
* Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement within the Finance department.

Non-Essential Functions

* Work on projects as assigned by the Firm Chair, Firm Vice Chair, and CFO
* Complete other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualification

* Bachelor's degree required; MBA, CPA, or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.
* 5+ years of experience in finance, consulting, legal operations, or executive leadership support, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
* Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence senior stakeholders.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Elite 3E and Power BI a plus

Success Factors


Executive Presence & Influence
* Ability to represent the CFO with professionalism and credibility in high-level meetings.
* Confidence and tact in communicating with senior partners, board members, and external stakeholders.
* Skilled at influencing without authority-guiding teams and driving initiatives through collaboration.

Emotional Intelligence
* High self-awareness and empathy to manage relationships and read the room effectively.
* Ability to handle sensitive information and navigate firm politics with discretion.
* Strong interpersonal skills to build trust across diverse teams and personalities.

Strategic Thinking
* Capacity to see the big picture while managing the details.
* Ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align day-to-day operations with long-term goals.
* Comfort with ambiguity and change, especially in a dynamic legal and financial environment.

Communication Mastery
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for drafting executive-level materials.
* Ability to distill complex financial and operational concepts into clear, actionable insights.
* Skilled in active listening and facilitating productive dialogue across departments.

Organizational Agility
* Strong project management and prioritization skills to juggle multiple initiatives.
* Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and manage time effectively.
* Resourcefulness in solving problems and removing roadblocks for the CFO and Finance team.

Collaboration & Relationship Building
* Ability to foster cross-functional partnerships with Legal Ops, IT, HR, and Practice Management.
* Skilled at creating alignment and shared ownership of strategic initiatives.
* A natural connector who builds bridges between departments and leadership levels.

Confidentiality & Judgment
* Unwavering discretion in handling sensitive financial and personnel matters.
* Sound judgment in decision-making and advising the CFO on internal dynamics.

* Trusted to act as an extension of the CFO's office with integrity and professionalism.

Work Environment

* Position to be based in Washington DC with a requirement of at least 3 days in office
* Willing to work staggered schedule as required
* Must be available to work beyond regular hours
* Must be able to work under tight deadlines and in stressful situations
* Non-smoking environment
* Must be able to comply with all safety requirements in our workplace