Senior Manager, AI & Analytics

Job Description

McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is building one of the most forward-looking AI programs in the legal industry — and the financial intelligence layer beneath it demands equally ambitious leadership. The Senior Manager, AI & Analytics owns the Accounting & Finance Systems Reporting, Data & AI Center of Excellence — driving strategy, governance, and delivery of analytics, intelligent automation, and AI capabilities that power the firm’s financial operations.

This is a senior leadership role: build the roadmap, set the standards, lead the program, and deliver measurable impact.

• Lead the Reporting, Data & AI Center of Excellence — establishing strategy, governance, operating standards, and a multi-year roadmap for the function
• Develop and maintain a prioritized portfolio of reporting, analytics, automation, and AI initiatives across the Accounting & Finance organization
• Define and govern reporting standards, KPI definitions, and semantic models — driving data stewardship, self-service analytics, executive dashboards, and enterprise intelligence
• Own the Accounting & Finance AI program end-to-end — intake, prioritization, governance, implementation, training, adoption, and value realization
• Identify opportunities to apply AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation across Contract-to-Cash, Invoice-to-Pay, and Plan-to-Report
• Establish responsible AI governance including controls, transparency, auditability, risk management, and compliance
• Partner with Information Technology on application strategy, integrations, security, data architecture, and governance
• Lead governance forums to prioritize initiatives, monitor progress, and measure business outcomes
• Develop and mentor team members while fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in analytics, reporting, financial systems, automation, AI, or digital transformation
• 3+ years of leadership experience, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams
• Prowess in establishing governance frameworks, operating models, and strategic roadmaps
• Strong command of accounting principles, financial operations, reporting, internal controls, and data governance
• Working knowledge of generative AI, intelligent automation, prompt engineering, and responsible AI practices
• Exceptional ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable technology solutions — communicating equally well to a CFO and an engineer
• Outstanding communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Computer Science, or related field required
• Master’s degree, MBA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent advanced credential preferred
• Preferred professional services or legal industry experience
• Experience supporting enterprise financial systems and reporting environments
• Experience leading enterprise AI adoption or governance initiatives
• Background in systems integration, workflow automation, or modern application delivery

Benefits

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses. Target Hiring Range $158,000 - $246,000 Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.