Financial Analyst, Lateral Investment

DLA Piper•Short Hills, NJ

1d•$88,383 - $117,111•Hybrid

About The Position

The Strategic Financial Analyst, Lateral Investment, in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, plays a pivotal role in supporting the long-term financial direction of the firm. This individual is a technically skilled, curious, and forward-thinking professional who supports decision-making through data driven insights. The Strategic Financial Analyst informs strategic decisions, improves profitability, and supports the firm’s long-term growth goals. This individual brings strong analytical skills, profit-centric business acumen, and excellent written and verbal communication. The role serves primarily to provide grounded recommendations on lateral partner investment decisions, supported by detailed financial analysis. This individual is expected to build controlled and transparent financial models with well-written supplementary recommendations and/or options. This individual also supports the firm’s adoption of AI in finance and professional services and is passionate about using automation and advanced analytics to improve finance processes. The Strategic Finance Analyst is eager to use modern tools, analytics, and (as appropriate) machine learning techniques to analyze data, generate insights, monitor lateral performance, and automate existing processes, such as lateral investment analysis. This individual is expected to independently seek, test, and implement AI tools that will enable stronger analysis and support data-driven decision making.

Requirements

Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Excellent verbal and written communication skill.
Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle highly confidential information.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across Finance, Talent, and firm leadership.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Collaborative, agile and curious mindset with an eagerness to learn.
Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Data Science, or a related field.
3 years of experience in FP&A, finance, data analytics, or accounting. Open to recent graduates with relevant coursework and/or internship experience.

Nice To Haves

Ability to analyze complex financial and operational data and translate results into actionable insights.
Strong communication and financial storytelling skills; comfortable presenting to nonfinance stakeholders.
High energy, eagerness to learn, and interest in applying AI/automation to modernize FP&A processes.
Familiarity with tools such as Python, SQL, Power BI, Microsoft Copilot Studio, Claude, or similar platforms is a plus.
Experience in a law firm, financial institution, or professional services organization is a plus.
MBA or other relevant advanced degree.
CFA or progress toward CFA designation is a plus.
MFA or progress toward MFA is a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare timely financial analysis of lateral hire partner candidates, including evaluating historical performance, book of business, profitability potential, and other key metrics to support hiring decisions.
Prepare monthly lateral performance report in support of monthly close, including commentary and detailed analytics.
Enhance lateral financial analysis end-to-end process; working with key stakeholders and technology to automate and standardize workflow and model inputs/outputs.
Track and monitor post-hire lateral performance against approved financial scenarios and market benchmarks, identifying key variance drivers and communicate emerging risks or opportunities for lateral investments.
Identify opportunities to streamline lateral and other financial processes, improve data quality, and increase reporting efficiency through automation and standardization.
Contribute to finance automation efforts, including building and improving simple-language AI agents (e.g., chatbots, cash flow models, validation tools) that support FP&A workflows.
Partner with senior Finance leaders, Recruiting, and Practice Group leadership to present findings, assumptions, and financial recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
Support practice group and firm reporting requirements by providing informative analytics and insights to leadership, with a focus on actionable recommendations and profitability.
Perform ad hoc financial analysis and reporting requests, synthesizing findings into clear takeaways and recommended actions.
Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
Foster positive work relationships.
Comply with all firm policies and practices.
Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.