Finance Transformation Lead (Workflow Automation)

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Are you passionate about using automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics to transform how financial operations deliver impact? As the Senior Finance Transformation Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in redefining how our firm leverages data, automation, and workflow innovation to drive efficiency, profitability, and client service excellence.

In this highly collaborative role, you’ll partner with senior leadership and practice group leaders to identify and prioritize initiatives that enhance financial performance and streamline operational processes. You’ll combine your technical expertise and strategic insight to design scalable, automated solutions that improve accuracy, reduce manual effort, and enable smarter decision-making across the firm.

• Lead firmwide transformation initiatives – Collaborate with senior leadership and practice group leaders to identify, prioritize, and deliver impactful projects across finance, operations, and practice management.
• Drive automation and AI integration – Use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and workflow automation tools to re-engineer processes and support adoption across teams.
• Leverage firm data and analytics – Develop a deep understanding of firm data and processes to enhance decision-making, optimize workflows, and sustain continuous improvement.
• Implement technology-driven solutions – Partner with cross-functional teams to deploy systems that increase accuracy, reduce manual work, and improve operational throughput.
• Translate insights into action – Communicate complex data and recommendations clearly to senior management, emphasizing financial and operational outcomes.
• Stay ahead of innovation – Monitor emerging technologies in AI, analytics, and workflow automation to inform ongoing transformation initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred, with 5+ years of experience in financial analysis, finance transformation, or business intelligence, preferably within professional services or law firms.
• Automation proficiency: Strong understanding of workflow automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, Copilot, Alteryx, or UiPath.
• Analytical and strategic mindset: Exceptional problem-solving ability with a proven record of developing actionable insights from complex data.
• Influence and communication: Skilled at translating technical findings into clear business recommendations for senior leaders.
• Collaboration and adaptability: Ability to work across teams, guide change, and drive adoption of new tools and processes.
• Technical expertise: Advanced proficiency in SQL, Power BI, Excel, and data modeling; experience with Python, R, or other data analysis languages a plus.

If you’re eager to lead the evolution of finance operations through automation, analytics, and innovation—and make a measurable impact on how a leading law firm operates—we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $140,000 - $170,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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