Manager, Accounting & Finance Operations

Join the ranks of Stikeman Elliott, one of the most distinguished and respected corporate law firms in Canada. Our Toronto office is located in the heart of the financial district, with prime access to public transit, which makes it ideal for commuters. Voted one of the Best Employers in Canada for 15 years, Stikeman Elliott is always seeking to recruit the best and the brightest talents.

The Manager, Accounting and Finance Operations is a key finance leadership role responsible for overseeing the accounting operations of the Toronto office. In addition to ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting in accordance with ASPE, the Manager is responsible for the effective administration and execution of trust accounting in compliance with the Law Society of Ontario, accounts payable & disbursement process, and partner-related administration.

The role actively drives process optimization, strengthens internal controls, and develops a high-performing, engaged team.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Finance in Toronto and works closely with firm leadership, internal stakeholders and external auditors.

Direct Report(s):  Senior Financial Accounting Analyst, Financial Accounting Analyst, Accounting Assistant, Senior Accounts Payable Administrator, Accounts Payable Coordinator, and Trust Administrator.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Direct and manage day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring timely, complete, and accurate financial records.


• Prepare and review financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and related analytical reviews in accordance with ASPE.


• Review and assist with the preparation of the Toronto office expense budget, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring of actual results against budget, with clear variance analysis.


• Coordinate and manage the year-end audit process for the Toronto office, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors.

Trust, Accounts Payable & Disbursements

• Oversee the trust function and ensure ongoing compliance with Law Society of Ontario regulations.


• Oversee the accounts payable and disbursement functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing while maintaining strong segregation of duties and internal controls.


• Approve trust wires, accounts payable payments, and other disbursements in accordance with firm policies.


• Support day-to-day banking relationships, including oversight of corporate credit card administration.


• Maintain oversight of vendor setup and maintenance, ensuring appropriate documentation, approvals, and controls are in place.

Partner Administration & Corporate Tax

• Review and oversee partner-related financial processes, including partner distribution calculations, partner capital calls, and related supporting schedules.


• Review and oversee the preparation of tax returns and coordinate with the external tax partner.

Benchmarking, Analysis & Special Projects

• Review and analyze peer benchmarking data, providing insights, trend analysis, and recommendations to support management decision-making and operational improvements.


• Support firm-wide initiatives and special projects, including risk identification, lessons learned, and presentation of recommendations to senior finance leadership.


• Assist senior financial management, the Managing Partner, Executive Director, and Chair, as required.

Process Improvement & Controls

• Continuously assess accounting processes, systems, and controls to identify inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities for improvement.


• Lead and support process improvement initiatives, including automation, standardization, and system enhancements, to improve data quality, reporting timeliness, and user experience.


• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls, ensuring consistent application across offices.


• Monitor compliance with firm policies and proactively address gaps or control weaknesses.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a diverse team of accounting professionals across multiple functional areas, fostering a collaborative, engaged, accountable, and high-performance culture.


• Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and support professional development and succession planning within the accounting team.


• Promote consistent practices, knowledge sharing, and cross-training to ensure continuity and resilience within the function.


• Act as a trusted escalation point, exercising sound judgment in matters involving confidentiality, policy interpretation, and risk management.

Job Specifications:

Education & Credentials

• A university degree in business/commerce/economics or MBA with an accounting major.


• Professional accounting designation required.

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience managing an accounting function, including direct people management responsibilities.


• Experience in a professional services environment (law firm experience is an asset).


• Proven experience leading or supporting process improvement, automation, or system implementation initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams, with a strong focus on coaching and collaboration.


• Process-oriented mindset with a track record of driving operational improvements and efficiencies.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills.


• Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a deadline-driven environment.


• Good working knowledge of commodity taxes.


• Project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.


• Advance knowledge of Excel and working knowledge of Aderant, PowerBI and SQL is an asset.

Salary Range (Toronto Only):

$110,000- $130,000 annually.

The position is for an existing vacancy. 

Stikeman Elliott is committed to accommodating people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you have special requirements, please advise Human Resources during the recruitment process.

Please Note: Our firm has a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy which requires all firm members to be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine. You will not be asked to disclose your vaccination status during the interview process. If you are offered employment, you will find a vaccination clause in your offer of employment providing that prior to commencing any employment with the Firm, you must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccination. The Firm will make reasonable accommodation efforts if you cannot be vaccinated due to medical, religious, or other grounds to the extent protected by applicable human rights legislation.