Finance Director

Our client, a well-established, mid-sized regional law firm located in downtown Calgary, is seeking an experienced Finance Director to join its leadership team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior finance professional who enjoys taking ownership of financial operations while contributing to the firm’s overall business strategy. The successful candidate will provide strategic financial guidance, ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting, strengthen internal controls, and support the continued evolution of the firm’s financial systems and processes.

Working closely with the firm’s executive leadership, the Finance Director will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and the development of best practices across the finance function. This individual will also lead, mentor, and develop a team of three, ensuring the firm’s financial operations remain efficient, compliant, and aligned with its business objectives and applicable Law Society requirements.

An important priority for this role will be supporting the upcoming implementation of Actionstep legal accounting software (formerly Soluno), scheduled to take place over the next couple of months. The Finance Director will play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition, optimizing financial processes, and supporting the effective adoption of the new system.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic financial advice and analysis to support the firm’s business objectives and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead the development of financial plans, annual budgets, forecasts, and financial performance reporting in collaboration with the executive team.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial performance, operational efficiency, and resource allocation.
• Provide meaningful financial insights and recommendations to support informed business decisions.

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial records, reporting, and accounting processes.
• Provide oversight of trust accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, collections, and financial time-entry systems.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and consistently followed.
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of financial statements, management reports, general ledger accounts, and variance analyses.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and other key financial indicators.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and Law Society guidelines relating to financial and trust accounting.

Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and enhance financial systems, reporting tools, and technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of financial information.
• Oversee the implementation and integration of new financial systems, including the firm’s upcoming implementation of Actionstep legal accounting software (formerly Soluno), ensuring a smooth transition and effective adoption.
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls and financial policies to safeguard the firm’s assets and support sound financial governance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen reporting capabilities, and improve the overall effectiveness of the finance function.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of three finance professionals, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for professional development.
• Establish clear expectations, promote accountability, and encourage continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with partners, firm leadership, and other departments to support operational and strategic priorities.
• Foster a service-oriented finance function that provides timely, accurate, and practical financial information to the partnership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• CPA designation or an equivalent recognized accounting qualification.
• Approximately 10–12 years of progressive financial and accounting experience, including 3–5 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Experience overseeing financial operations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Strong knowledge of financial systems, process improvement, and financial reporting technologies.
• Experience leading, developing, and mentoring finance professionals.
• The ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate findings and recommendations clearly to senior leadership.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• A proactive, collaborative leadership style and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational responsibilities.
• Experience with Actionstep Legal Accounting software (formerly Soluno)would be a definite asset, particularly for candidates who have participated in a system implementation, migration, or process improvement initiative.

Experience within a professional services environment is highly desirable. Previous experience in the legal, real estate, or property management industries would be a definite asset, particularly for candidates who have overseen complex financial operations, trust accounting, client billing, or multi-entity accounting structures. Familiarity with applicable Law Society financial requirements and trust accounting regulations would also be highly valued.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a commercially minded finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with sound business judgment and a hands-on approach to leadership. They are comfortable working with senior stakeholders, managing competing priorities, and identifying practical solutions to complex financial and operational challenges.

They bring a continuous-improvement mindset, take pride in developing effective processes and strong teams, and understand the importance of confidentiality, accuracy, integrity, and exceptional service within a partnership-driven professional environment.

The successful candidate will also be comfortable leading change and working collaboratively with the finance team and firm leadership to ensure the successful implementation of Actionstep (Soluno) and the ongoing improvement of financial processes.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join an established, well-respected regional law firm in a downtown Calgary location.
• Work closely with the Managing Partner and firm leadership, contributing to strategic and operational decision-making.
• Lead a team of three and make a meaningful impact on the effectiveness of the finance function.
• Play a key role in implementing Actionstep (formerly Soluno) and modernizing financial systems and processes.
• Enjoy an excellent compensation package and the opportunity to contribute to the firm’s continued success.

For a finance professional who enjoys combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight, this is an opportunity to make a tangible impact while helping shape the future of the firm’s financial operations.