Chief Financial Officer (Legal)

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained by our client, Williams Mullen headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, to lead the search for its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a unique opportunity for a strategic financial leader to join the executive team of a firm known for its strong regional presence, collaborative culture, and forward-thinking leadership.

Position Overview

The CFO will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and will be responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of the firm’s financial functions. These include financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, billing, collections, payroll, benefits, and client account services. The CFO will lead a team of professionals and work closely with the executive team to align financial operations with the firm’s strategic growth plan.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies that support the firm’s long-term goals and performance.

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the executive team to support business decisions and strategic planning.

• Lead firmwide budgeting and forecasting, ensuring alignment with operational and strategic priorities.

Financial and Operational Management

• Oversee accounting operations, internal controls, compliance, financial reporting, and tax planning.

• Manage firmwide financial reporting and develop tools and systems to provide clear, actionable insights to leadership.

• Ensure best-in-class internal financial controls and compliance with all applicable financial regulations.

Client Account Services

• Oversee client billing, collections, and intake operations, including conflict resolution, compliance, and risk management.

• Optimize processes for client onboarding, matter intake, and billing, incorporating industry trends and technology advancements.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and client account services teams, promoting a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Partner closely with key administrative and practice leaders to support firm initiatives and drive operational efficiency.

Risk and Compliance Oversight

• Oversee financial risk management strategies and firmwide insurance programs, including professional liability, cyber, and property.

• Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory compliance standards across all financial and client account activities.

External Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, banks, insurers, and financial service providers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field required; MBA and/or CPA/CMA/CFA strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 10+ years in senior financial leadership roles, preferably in a professional services or legal environment.

• Experience working in organizations with revenues of $200M+ strongly preferred.

• Expertise in financial planning, reporting, and risk management, with a track record of aligning financial strategies with organizational growth.

• Hands-on knowledge of financial systems (e.g., Aderant, InTapp, SQL/SSRS, Power BI) and advanced Excel skills.

• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking capabilities.

• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, manage change, and navigate complex environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A strategic and analytical leader with a deep understanding of the business side of a professional services environment.

• An effective collaborator who can influence and guide decision-making at the highest level.

• A mentor and team builder who promotes accountability, transparency, and innovation.

Interested candidates may submit confidential inquiries or résumés to:
Sarah Gobble
Managing Director, Executive Search
Fahrenheit Advisors

https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/fahrenheitgroup/job/5es31s3omy1nzb3xaotuj3utyr/WCFO?crt=1748871549310