Senior Manager - Financial Accounting

Job

Updated:
Nov 24, 2025

Location:

Chicago, IL, United States

Category:
Finance/Accounting

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About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide.

Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You'll Do

Are you a strategic, forward-thinking accounting leader ready to modernize and elevate a firm-wide financial accounting framework?

In this pivotal role, the Senior Manager of Financial Accounting will lead the modernization of the Firm's general ledger structure and financial accounting processes, working cross-functionally to strengthen financial reporting, enhance operational efficiency, and support data-driven decision making. This role sits within the Firm's Finance function and requires a leader with deep technical accounting expertise paired with strong systems thinking.

You will champion the streamlining of the chart of accounts, drive standardization across key financial accounting workflows, and build enhanced financial controls that support both internal and external reporting needs. This role is ideal for an innovative accounting professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is motivated to build scalable, modernized financial systems that enable long-term growth.

* General Ledger Modernization - Evaluate, redesign, and enhance the general ledger framework and chart of accounts to support updated financial reporting needs, complex consolidation requirements, and evolving business models across jurisdictions.

* Integrated Reporting Structure - Integrate all journal activity into a unified ledger structure capable of reporting cash, accrual, and local statutory books on both calendar and fiscal year bases.

* GL Management & Oversight - Manage and maintain general ledger books, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with Firm standards.

* Process Transformation - Align financial accounting workflows (i.e. reconciliations, journal entry processing, financial reporting, etc.) with Firm-wide strategic initiatives; identify needed skills, technologies, and processes to drive greater efficiency and scalability.

* Intercompany Solutions - Document, implement, and optimize processes and procedures for intercompany settlements.

* Team Leadership - Lead, manage, and develop direct reports, fostering a high-performance, collaborative environment.

* Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with teams across the Firm to address accounting matters, deliver exceptional service, and solve complex financial challenges.

* Special Projects - Support and lead additional complex accounting initiatives in partnership with Finance leadership.

* Standards & Compliance - Maintain strong knowledge of Firm policies, procedures, and accounting standards to ensure consistency and compliance across financial operations.

What You'll Bring

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required; along with 8-10 years of relevant professional experience, ideally including 4-5 years in public accounting and 4-5 years in a public company environment.

* Leadership Background - At least five years of people leadership experience, with demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams.

* Industry Knowledge - Prior experience in a professional services environment and hands-on involvement in general ledger transformations and implementations.

* Communication & Analytical Strength - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to summarize complex observations with clarity and impact.

* Adaptability & Drive - Ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and deliver meaningful, sustained impact in a…