Chief of Staff, Office of the CFO

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Chief of Staff, Office of the CFO

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Steptoe LLP

The Chief of Staff to the CFO is a strategic partner and trusted advisor and liaison, responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of the CFO and the Finance leadership team. This role serves as a force multiplier—driving execution of key initiatives, ensuring operational alignment, and managing communications and priorities across the firm. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, discreet, and proactive leader with exceptional judgment, a deep understanding of financial operations in a professional services environment, and someone who is capable of operating in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. The CoS plays a critical role in supporting the strategic, operational, and administrative functions of the CFO’s office, helping to drive key initiatives, manage cross-departmental projects, and ensure alignment across the firm’s financial operations.

Essential Functions

Strategic Support

Project Management

Operational Oversight

Stakeholder Engagement

Team & Culture Enablement

Non-Essential Functions

Strategic Support

Assist the CFO in developing and executing strategic initiatives across the Finance department and the broader Firm.

Translate strategic goals into actionable plans and ensure timely execution across departments.

Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Conduct research and analysis to support decision-making on financial, operational, and industry matters.

Lead special projects and cross-functional initiatives, often involving Finance, Accounting, IT, Legal Operations, and Practice Management.

Project Management

Lead or support cross-functional projects involving Finance, Accounting, IT, and other departments.

Track progress on key initiatives and ensure timely execution of deliverables.

Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants as needed.

Operational Oversight

Monitor and manage the CFO’s priorities, ensuring alignment with firm-wide goals.

Draft communications on behalf of the CFO, including memos, emails, and talking points.

Attend meetings with or on behalf of the CFO, capturing action items and ensuring follow-through.

Manage the CFO’s agenda, ensuring alignment with firm priorities and strategic objectives.

Facilitate decision-making by preparing briefing materials, synthesizing data, and coordinating stakeholder input.

Monitor progress on key initiatives and ensure accountability across the Finance team.

Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as a liaison between the CFO and senior leadership, practice group leaders, and administrative departments.

Build relationships across the firm to facilitate collaboration and information flow.

Support the CFO in managing relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, banks, and vendors.

Team & Culture Enablement

Support internal communications and change management efforts related to financial operations.

Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement within the Finance department.

Non-Essential Functions

Work on projects as assigned by the Firm Chair, Firm Vice Chair, and CFO

Complete other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CPA, or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.

5+ years of experience in finance, consulting, legal operations, or executive leadership support, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.

Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence senior stakeholders.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Elite 3E and Power BI a plus

Success Factors

Executive Presence & Influence

Ability to represent the CFO with professionalism and credibility in high-level meetings.

Confidence and tact in communicating with senior partners, board members, and external stakeholders.

Skilled at influencing without authority—guiding teams and driving initiatives through collaboration.

Emotional Intelligence

High self-awareness and empathy to manage relationships and read the room effectively.

Ability to handle sensitive information and navigate firm politics with discretion.

Strong interpersonal skills to build trust across diverse teams and personalities.

Strategic Thinking

Capacity to see the big picture while managing the details.

Ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align day-to-day operations with long-term goals.

Comfort with ambiguity and change, especially in a dynamic legal and financial environment.

Communication Mastery

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for drafting executive-level materials.

Ability to distill complex financial and operational concepts into clear, actionable insights.

Skilled in active listening and facilitating productive dialogue across departments.

Organizational Agility

Strong project management and prioritization skills to juggle multiple initiatives.

Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and manage time effectively.

Resourcefulness in solving problems and removing roadblocks for the CFO and Finance team.

Collaboration & Relationship Building

Ability to foster cross-functional partnerships with Legal Ops, IT, HR, and Practice Management.

Skilled at creating alignment and shared ownership of strategic initiatives.

A natural connector who builds bridges between departments and leadership levels.

Confidentiality & Judgment

Unwavering discretion in handling sensitive financial and personnel matters.

Sound judgment in decision-making and advising the CFO on internal dynamics.

Trusted to act as an extension of the CFO’s office with integrity and professionalism.

Work Environment

Position to be based in Washington DC with a requirement of at least 3 days in office

Willing to work staggered schedule as required

Must be available to work beyond regular hours

Must be able to work under tight deadlines and in stressful situations

Non-smoking environment

Must be able to comply with all safety requirements in our workplace

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $135,000-$160,000. The actual base salary offered will be dependent upon the applicant’s experience and qualifications, as well as other job-related factors, including but not limited to, relevant skills, education, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, geographic location.

Steptoe offers a full range of benefits for you and your eligible dependents. Benefits currently include : medical, dental, vision, life, disability, dependent care, health care flexible spending accounts, 401K Plan, Profit-Sharing, Paid Time-Off and a robust Wellness Program.

Steptoe LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE / AA / Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.

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