Overview
We are delighted to have partnered exclusively with US law firm, McDermott Will & Schulte to appoint them a new Director of International Accounting & Finance, a senior leadership role based in London with responsibility for the firm's European finance and accounting operations.
The Firm
McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm with approximately $3bn in revenue and a strong international platform. The London office is one of the firm's fastest‑growing globally, forming a key part of its European network alongside offices in Paris, Germany, Brussels, and Milan. Each international office operates as its own partnership, while all partners participate in a single, unit‑based global compensation model, creating both complexity and opportunity at an international level.
The Role
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, visible, and influential leadership role within a highly regarded global professional services firm. Based in London, the Director of International Accounting & Finance will provide strategic and operational leadership across all European offices, overseeing accounting, finance, reporting, controls, and compliance in a complex, multi‑jurisdictional environment.
The role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (based in the US) and acts as the senior finance lead across the European platform. You will lead a senior‑level finance team across multiple jurisdictions, each operating in its local currency, while ensuring consistency, control, and alignment with firmwide standards and objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- International Finance Leadership – Provide overall leadership and oversight of accounting and finance operations across McDermott's European offices
- Lead, develop, and mentor senior finance leaders across jurisdictions, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture
- Act as a trusted finance partner to local Managing Partners and office leadership teams
- Oversee European financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and completeness
- Ensure effective consolidation of EMEA results into global financials, including foreign currency translation and intercompany considerations
- Partner closely with U.S.‑based finance teams on global reporting, budgeting, and forecasting
- Regulatory Compliance, Controls & Governance – Ensure compliance with all local statutory accounting, regulatory, and reporting requirements across Europe
- Coordinate with internal tax teams and external advisers on international tax and structural matters (tax awareness required, though not a pure tax role)
- Establish and maintain robust internal control frameworks and support audit requirements
- Take on, or grow into, COFA responsibilities, working closely with compliance and leadership teams
- Process Improvement & Strategic Change – Drive standardisation and continuous improvement of accounting processes, policies, and systems across jurisdictions
- Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, and data integrity
- Support international growth, office development, and firmwide strategic and structural change initiatives
- Stakeholder Management – Build strong, credible relationships across regions, cultures, and time zones
- Work closely with U.S. leadership in a genuinely global operating model
- Travel internationally as required to support offices and strengthen relationships
Candidate Profile
McDermott Will & Schulte is seeking a senior finance leader with:
- Significant experience operating in a multi‑jurisdictional, international law firm environment
- The gravitas and credibility to influence senior stakeholders within a complex partnership structure
- Strong leadership capabilities and experience managing senior finance professionals across geographies
- Deep understanding of accounting, reporting, controls, and compliance
- Experience with UK and European statutory frameworks
- A collaborative, pragmatic approach and strong cross‑cultural communication skills
Qualifications
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, CPA, or equivalent) preferred
- 10+ years' progressive experience in senior accounting and finance roles
Why This Role?
- Succeed a long‑tenured, highly respected leader in a well‑established, high‑performing international finance function
- Play a central role in shaping the firm's European finance platform during a period of growth and expansion
- Join a firm with a strong reputation for collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Operate in a genuinely global role with close exposure to U.S. leadership and firmwide strategy
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