Toronto - Finance and Trust Accounting Manager - EY Law

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The opportunity

The Finance Manager is a key strategic and operational leader responsible for managing all financial aspects of EY Law, with a strong emphasis on trust accounting and compliance. This role bridges general accounting, client accounting, and trust accounting, ensuring adherence to law society regulations while driving financial performance and supporting firm‑wide initiatives. The Finance Manager partners closely with the various legal practices within EY law and Global Compliance Office (GCO) to implement compliant processes, manage audits, and provide accurate reporting to regulatory bodies.

Your key responsibilities

• Financial Leadership & Compliance
• Work with EY law leadership and GCO to interpret law society rules and implement compliant processes for trust and client fund management.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of annual filings and statutory reports.
• Act as the primary liaison with law societies across jurisdictions, providing required information and supporting audits nationwide.
• Oversee trust account operations, ensuring proper fund transfers and compliance with regulatory standards, including receipt of retainers, overpayments, and refunds.
• Financial Management & Strategy
• Lead and manage more junior members of the finance team, including accountants, billing specialists, and analysts.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning across practice groups.
• Develop financial models to support pricing decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor and report on firm‑wide EY Law financial performance, including revenue, profitability, and cost control.
• Review and approve various financial transactions.
• Operational Excellence
• Prepare and review financial statements, ensuring compliance and accuracy at year‑end.
• Drive financial transformation initiatives and operational improvements across the firm.
• Collaborate with Partners and Lawyers to manage the trust fund and general account transactions and obligations with the law societies of the various provinces.
• Work with the broader financial management team to ensure alignment with financial systems and processes.
• Collaboration & Advisory
• Partner with EY Law practice leaders and management to enhance matter management and client profitability.
• Provide actionable financial insights to partners and practice leaders for business planning and growth.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong financial acumen with familiarity of the unique financial requirements of law firms, including trust accounting.
• Proven leadership experience managing finance teams and complex projects.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A high degree of diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to work closely with GC and compliance teams on regulatory matters.
• A strategic mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Familiarity with legal billing practices and timekeeping systems.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in financial management, ideally gained in a law firm.
• Strong knowledge of trust accounting and financial regulations applicable to law firms.
• Experience preparing annual filings and supporting multi‑jurisdictional audits.
• Proficiency in financial systems and tools including Excel, PowerPoint, and PCLaw.

Ideally, you'll also have

• A CPA designation.

What we look for

We seek collaborative team players who thrive in a supportive environment, prioritizing both team goals and personal development. A genuine passion for finance is essential. We value innovative thinkers, committed to continuous learning, who are eager to enhance financial practices and drive operational excellence within EY Law.

What we offer

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package allows you to decide which benefits are right for you and which help you create a solid foundation for your future. Our Total Rewards package includes a discretionary bonus program, a comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage plan, a defined contribution pension plan, a great vacation policy plus firm‑paid