Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have 16 offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than 50 countries.

Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen and a human touch.

Reporting to the Director of Partnership Accounting and Tax, this worldwide position is responsible for a wide array of partner tax activities of the firm including the allocation of foreign and US tax amounts to individual partners, related balance sheet management, implementation of procedural improvements and development of effective internal and external business relationships.

• Manage Equity Partner tax processes, including but not limited to:
  • Onboarding of newly promoted or lateral equity partners
  • Accurate tracking of partner elections and supporting forms
  • Preparation of Partner Foreign Tax Detail file, including the accurate tax categorization of foreign tax payments and allocation of such payments, to individual partners
• Responsible for the annual tax information package process for active, retired and former partners.
• Responsible for the non-resident US partner tax return process (in collaboration with external tax service provider).
• Responsible for the accurate and timely recording of Partner Receivables (or payables), related to tax refunds/amounts due.
• Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of partner tax reserves, including distribution of tax reserve statements to former partners.
• Responsible for the accurate tracking and resolution of IRS and other tax related notices received by the firm on behalf of individual partners.
• Review monthly journal entries and account analysis of critical balance sheet accounts.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely preparation and review of audit schedules in support of the global firmwide audit as needed.
• Develop an effective relationship with the Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Global Controller, Treasury Manager, Senior Accounting & Compliance Manager, Financial Reporting and Budgeting Manager and other Firm Leaders.
• Develop an effective relationship with individual partner external advisors in the preparation of their personal tax returns in the US and in countries where the firm has a permanent establishment.
• Collaborate with Tax Compliance Manager for overlapping firm and partner tax related activities and Partnership Accounting Manager on partner income related activities.
• Ensure all business activities are executed with a strong discipline surrounding internal controls.
• Manage operational activities with a specific focus on efficiency and internal and external client service.
• Manage special projects as required.

Ideal Experience:

• Experience in a similar senior role at a professional services firm. Public accounting, including experience at a Big Four accounting firm, a plus.
• Familiarity with a partnership model including knowledge of cash-basis accounting and audit issues.
• Broad financial experience and technical skills, including audit and financial reporting for US or International firms.
• Experience in implementing procedural improvements.
• A CPA is required.
• Proficient in Excel

Critical Competencies for Success:

• Finance acumen: Demonstrated broad experience across major finance disciplines, including accounting, tax and audit. Attention to detail and focus on accuracy required. 
• Communication/Influencing skills: A person with solid management presence, a sense of urgency and the ability to build effective working relationships with key members of the Firm.  A confident, proactive individual who uses reasoned, fact-based arguments to anticipate and overcome objections and who is unflappable in challenging, complex situations.
• Management skills: A demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, consensus-driven, partnership environment with highly skilled professionals.

Other Personal Characteristics:

• An excellent communicator who is effective at all levels, particularly with attorneys; an individual who listens carefully, articulates positions clearly, and conveys confidence.
• An individual who is well organized, establishes priorities, plans realistically and is available to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.
• A team player who shares credit for accomplishments with others and keeps the Firm’s best interests foremost.
• A person of unquestioned integrity whose personal behavior reflects positively upon the Firm.
• A self-confident individual who is able to work equally with lawyers and administrative staff.

The estimated base salary for this position ranges from $155,000 to $165,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will be determined based on various job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, the scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance. This is an exempt role, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay.

Cleary provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health care benefits. More information can be found here: Benefits

At Cleary Gottlieb, all members of our community deserve respect as individuals and appreciation for the contributions they make to our community. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creating equal opportunities to develop and succeed.