Financial Systems Manager
About the Position
The Financial Systems Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for the vision, governance, optimization, and continuous improvement of Warner's financial technology ecosystem. Reporting directly to the Controller, this position serves as the primary business owner for the firm's accounting systems and finance-related technology initiatives. Partners closely with Accounting, Information Technology, and external vendors to ensure Warner's financial systems support operational excellence, data integrity, client service, profitability, and long-term strategic growth. This position combines financial systems expertise, project management, business process improvement, data analytics, and vendor management to ensure the firm's investments in technology deliver measurable business value.
What You'll Do
- Serve as the subject matter expert for Aderant and all Finance-related applications.
- Develop and maintain a multi-year Finance Systems roadmap aligned with firm strategy.
- Lead system implementations, upgrades, enhancements, testing, and integrations.
- Ensure system reliability, security, governance, and data integrity.
- Manage application documentation, standards, and support processes.
- Partner with the CFO and Controller to improve operational efficiency, financial reporting, profitability, pricing, collections, budgeting, forecasting, and automation.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI, to improve Finance operations.
- Lead Finance technology projects from planning through implementation.
- Cook up with Accounting, IT, vendors, consultants, and firm leadership.
- Drive testing, training, change management, and user adoption.
- Manage relationships with Aderant, Microsoft, Intapp, Litera, consultants, and other Finance technology vendors.
- Support contract reviews, issue escalation, roadmap discussions, and vendor performance.
- Oversee Aderant configuration, security, workflows, reporting, upgrades, integrations, and user support.
- Deep understanding of how SQL interacts with Aderant, other accounting systems, and the data warehouse.
- Work directly with the firms reporting team to develop executive dashboards, KPIs, Power BI reporting, Microsoft Fabric initiatives, and partner compensation reporting.
- Serve as the primary liaison between Finance, IT, Operations, and external consultants.
What Makes You Successful
Success in this role comes from combining strategic leadership with deep financial systems expertise to drive technology initiatives that improve efficiency, data integrity, and business performance. The ideal candidate is an analytical problem solver who effectively leads complex projects, builds strong cross-functional partnerships, embraces innovation, and successfully manages organizational change to deliver measurable value across the firm's Finance function.
About You
- Experience, Education, and Training:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field.
- 8+ years of experience in accounting systems, finance technology, or project management.
- Experience with Aderant, Elite 3E, or similar enterprise financial systems.
- Strong accounting, analytical, project management, and communication skills.
- Knowledge and experience with database implementation, data integration, and technology workflows.
- Ability to write SQL queries and understand data extraction techniques.
- Law firm or professional services experience preferred.
Pay
The salary range for this role is currently $125,000-$175,000 per year based on experience.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Firm-paid life insurance and disability coverage
- 401(k) with employer contribution or match, depending on plan design
- Generous paid time off and leave programs
- Paid firm holidays
- Remote work flexibility
- Wellness programs
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development and growth opportunities
About Warner
At Warner Norcross + Judd, we know that talented professionals have choices. That's why we've built a workplace that supports your success both professionally and personally. Benefits Designed To Support You We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Firm-paid life insurance and disability coverage
- 401(k) with employer contribution or match, depending on plan design
- Generous paid time off and leave programs
- Paid firm holidays
- Remote work flexibility
- Wellness programs
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development and growth opportunities
Why People Choose Warner
At Warner, our culture is guided by our motto: "Fun, Pride + Profit...in that Order." We believe people do their best work when they feel connected to their colleagues, supported in their careers, and empowered to maintain balance in their lives. When you join Warner, you'll find:
- A collaborative environment where teamwork and mutual respect are valued
- Meaningful opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that encourages participation and leadership at every level
- Flexibility that supports both professional achievement and personal well-being
- A firm that invests in its communities through charitable giving, volunteerism, and scholarship programs
- Coleagues who are passionate about delivering exceptional service while enjoying the work they do
About Warner
Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 230+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Facebook.