Financial Analyst, Lateral Investment

Summary

The Strategic Financial Analyst, Lateral Investment, supports the firm’s strategic initiatives by providing data‑driven financial insights. This role informs strategic decisions, improves profitability, and supports long‑term growth goals through grounded recommendations on lateral partner investment decisions.

This position can be based in Short Hills or Northern Virginia and offers a hybrid work schedule.

• Prepare timely financial analysis of lateral hire partner candidates, evaluating historical performance, book of business, profitability potential, and other key metrics to support hiring decisions.
• Prepare monthly lateral performance reports in support of monthly close, including commentary and detailed analytics.
• Enhance the lateral financial analysis end‑to‑end process, working with key stakeholders and technology to automate and standardize workflow and model inputs/outputs.
• Track and monitor post‑hire lateral performance against approved financial scenarios and market benchmarks, identifying key variance drivers and communicating emerging risks or opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to streamline lateral and other financial processes, improve data quality, and increase reporting efficiency through automation and standardization.
• Contribute to finance automation efforts, including building and improving simple‑language AI agents (e.g., chatbots, cash flow models, validation tools) that support FP&A workflows.
• Partner with senior Finance leaders, Recruiting, and Practice Group leadership to present findings, assumptions, and financial recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
• Support practice group and firm reporting requirements by providing informative analytics and insights to leadership, focusing on actionable recommendations and profitability.
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and reporting requests, synthesizing findings into clear takeaways and recommended actions.

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across Finance, Talent, and firm leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Agile and curious mindset with an eagerness to learn.
• Experience translating complex financial and operational data into actionable insights.
• Strong communication and financial storytelling skills; comfortable presenting to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Interest in applying AI/automation to modernize FP&A processes.
• Familiarity with tools such as Python, SQL, Power BI, Microsoft Copilot Studio, Claude, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Experience in a law firm, financial institution, or professional services organization is a plus.

10% travel to other DLA Piper offices (Reston, Virginia, Short Hills, New Jersey, and New York City). The analyst will be expected to travel as needed.

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Data Science, or a related field.

• MBA or other relevant advanced degree.

• CFA or progress toward CFA designation is a plus. MFA or progress toward MFA is a plus.

• Three years of experience in FP&A, finance, data analytics, or accounting. Recent graduates with relevant coursework and/or internship experience are considered.

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence efficiently and responsively.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as working at a computer for extended periods, participating in digital/virtual conference calls, and attending meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and…