Senior Finance Manager

Who we are

Within our approachable, friendly, and team-based way of working, you will collaborate with the Team that advises major domestic and international companies on public and private M&A, disposals, demergers, joint ventures, restructurings, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and Antitrust advisory with a particular focus on complex cross-border transactions.

We were one of the first international law firms to open offices in Italy – Rome in 1993 and Milan in 1994. We know the Italian market very well and have long experience of cross-border deals.

We have invested in our Italian offices and we are now one of the few firms who can offer clients a full-service capability. Our team of approximately 100 lawyers comprises professionals qualified to practice in Italy, the UK, and the US and all our lawyers are permanently based in Italy.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures and languages. In a world where commercial success increasingly relies on globalisation, we offer clients a truly international perspective.

Over the last decades we have been working on landmark deals and high-profile cases – among them in 1990s the privatisations of Banca di Roma, BNL and Alitalia. These transactions and our way of working – teams of lawyers led by highly-experienced partners – helped to change the landscape of the Italian legal market. More recently, we have worked on a number of innovative deals involving Autostrade per l'Italia, Telepass and Arcaplanet.

Job Description

The Financial Controller is responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant accounting operations, financial reporting and effective tax, cash and treasury management. The role leads budgeting, forecasting, and cost management activities, providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making. Additionally, the Financial Controller drives process improvement, collaborates with operational hubs, and leads the Accounting, Statutory and Tax team to deliver high performance and effective collaboration across local and global finance functions.

Financial Reporting, Accounting, and Control

• Own and oversee month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely, accurate and compliant financial reporting.
• Maintain accurate books and records, ensuring strong internal financial controls and governance.
• Oversee cash management and treasury coordination in alignment with global finance teams.
• Act as primary contact for internal and external audits, ensuring efficient audit processes and timely resolution of findings.
• Prepare all statutory and tax filings required by local regulations and ensure maintenance of a reconciliation between local regulatory reporting and group IFRS reporting.
• Oversee profit distributions to the firm’s partners, ensuring accurate reconciliation of local profits and tax reserves
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, risk management and financial control frameworks are embedded and operating effectively.

Planning and Analysis

• Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with global timelines and stakeholder involvement.
• Provide clear financial insights, analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and performance management.
• Interpret complex financial information and translate it into actionable business advice.
• Act as a trusted financial advisor to the Head of Finance, senior management and other key stakeholders.

Process improvement & transformation

• Drive continuous improvement of finance processes, systems and controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Collaborate with Operational Hubs in Delhi and Warsaw to optimize service delivery.
• Identify opportunities for standardisation, automation and digital enablement across finance activities.

People & team leadership:

• Lead, manage and develop Accounting and Statutory team, providing clear direction, performance management, coaching and professional development.
• Operate effectively within a matrix environment, coordinating activities across local teams, Operational Hubs and global Finance functions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager, ideally within a professional services or international environment.
• Strong expertise in accounting, statutory reporting, taxation and financial control, with experience managing multiple year-end processes
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing accounting teams in a complex, matrix organization
• Solid knowledge of IFRS and international accounting standards, with the ability to manage multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements
• Experience managing external auditors, tax advisors, and financial stakeholders
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and transformation initiatives, including the adoption of digital and AI-based tools
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and project management capability
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle or similar) and financial planning/reporting tools (e.g., Hyperion or similar) is preferred
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, along with a recognized professional accounting and audit qualification
• Fluency in English is essential

This is a hands-on leadership role offering the opportunity to shape and enhance the finance function within a globally operating organization. The position requires a balance of operational excellence, strategic thinking, and innovation.

Additional Information

From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and develop your skills and knowledge. From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to skills-based and technical training and on the job learning.

You will be given on the job training, specifically around the processes and procedures we have in place. Notwithstanding, you can access the firms' academy website for personal training, which covers technical skills through to improving your confidence and resilience.

Whatever your area of expertise, you will find a range of career opportunities at Clifford Chance. And wherever you’re heading, Clifford Chance is where you can be true to your ambitions.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures and languages. In a world where commercial success increasingly relies on globalisation, we offer clients a truly international perspective, and we offer our people a rewarding and stimulating career.

We're proud of our approachable, friendly and team-based way of working. Highly professional and self-assured, with an entrepreneurial streak, our people are more than happy to share their expertise and knowledge.