Job description

We are recruiting for a Client Data & Process Improvement Senior Manager to join our Group Finance team in London.

Group Finance team - London

Achieving the firms vision requires a world class Finance department and our teams add value when the information we provide enables great decisions. Provide high quality advice and relevant, accurate information to the decision makers in A&O Shearman, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and delivering our service efficiently.

What you will do

This is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, governance, and continuous improvement of client data management and client onboarding from a Finance perspective. The Senior Manager will ensure the highest standards of client data integrity, drive operational efficiency, and maintain compliance with regulatory and client specific requirements.

The successful candidate will lead a team of data professionals, champion process improvement initiatives, and act as a trusted partner to stakeholders across the business

Key relationships;

• Commercial & Pricing Team, Finance Systems Group, E-Billing and Billing Teams globally
• Client relationship teams including Partners and marketing departments
• In house legal, Engagement Terms teams and InfoSec
• External client electronic invoicing implementation contacts
• Key third party e-billing vendor contacts

Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Identify, design, and implement process improvements across the client data lifecycle from client onboarding and data capture through to set-up maintenance, reporting, and archival
• Drive automation and technology adoption to enhance efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and minimize error rates
• Lead client data review and system process improvement projects, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum data integrity
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies to optimize client data workflows and eliminate waste

Data Strategy & Governance

• Develop and execute the firms client data management strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements
• Establish and maintain client data governance frameworks, including data ownership, quality standards, and lifecycle management policies
• Define and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and data quality metrics, reporting regularly to senior leadership
• Ensure compliance with client and industry-specific onboarding and client data requirements

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Partner with senior stakeholders across Client Services, Finance, Compliance, Risk, external vendors and IT to understand business needs and deliver data solutions
• Report to senior leadership on client data quality, risks, improvement initiatives, and strategic recommendations
• Act as the firms subject matter expert on client data management best practices
• Represent the function in firm-wide governance forums and project steering committees

People Management & Development

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of client data management professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations, conducting regular reviews and providing coaching and mentoring
• Identify skill gaps and develop training plans to build team capability
• Manage resource planning, recruitment, and succession planning for the function

Essential Experience

• Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in client data management, client on-boarding, data governance, or related operational roles, with at least 5+ years at a management level

• Proven track record of designing and delivering process improvement and transformation initiatives

• Demonstrable experience managing and developing teams in a professional services or accounting/financial services environment

• Experience working with senior stakeholders and presenting to executive-level audiences

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements relating to client data

Desirable Experience

• Project management qualifications (Prince2, PMP, Agile/Scrum)

• Experience leading client data migrations/ system integrations and process improvement projects

• Background in accounting, audit, or professional services firms

• Exposure to billing and rates management, ideally with experience managing ebilling vendors/processes

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (complex formulae, Power Query, pivot tables, macros/VBA)

• Working knowledge of SQL and database management principles

• Familiarity with data governance frameworks and tools

• Understanding of data architecture and interrogation of datasets

• Exposure to workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate, Power Apps)

• Experience with process improvement tools and techniques (e.g Visio, Lucidchart)

• Exposure to AI and automation process review

Soft Skills & Personal Attributes

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams

• Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels

• Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making

• Proven change management skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and drive adoption

• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities

• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of how data supports business objectives

• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement