Senior Expense and Budget Analyst

Milbank LLP•New York, NY

6d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Own firmwide expense analytics and budget administration, delivering clear, decision-ready insights for senior management. The role focuses on expense management, cost control, budgeting, and variance analysis across departments and regions. This position partners closely with global stakeholders, supports the close and reporting cycles, and contributes to continuous improvement of financial processes. Revenue analytics are not included in this role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in financial analysis, accounting, expense-focused FP&A, or similar roles.
Experience working in an international or multi-currency environment required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel; experience with financial systems such as 3E or Thomson Reuters AFS is a plus.
Advanced Excel proficiency (mandatory), including expert use of pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, INDEX/MATCH, and complex formulas.
Strong ability to structure, cleanse, and summarize large, complex, and imperfect datasets.
Solid expense accounting knowledge, including accruals, cost classification, and cost control principles.
Proven modeling and analytical skills using existing financial systems and reporting tools.
High attention to detail paired with strong problem-solving and big-picture judgment.
Comfort working with large volumes of data and performing detailed quantitative analysis.
Ability to translate complex financial data into a clear, logical narrative for senior leadership.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to support and explain variances to non-financial stakeholders.
Strong business acumen and practical, execution-focused mindset.
Collaborative team player who can also operate independently and own processes end to end.
Self-directed, accountable, and comfortable working with minimal oversight.
Quality- and productivity-focused, with strong prioritization skills.
Practical, analytical, and results-oriented approach to problem solving.

Nice To Haves

Professional services or law firm experience preferred.
CPA or equivalent certification a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare and distribute monthly partner financial reports with thoughtful analysis and commentary on key performance indicators, trends, and underlying drivers
Administer and maintain the firm’s expense budget firmwide, including annual budgeting and quarterly forecast updates based on actual results.
Prepare, analyze, and distribute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and budget reports for management and partners.
Monitor actual versus budget expense performance; investigate variances, identify drivers, and provide clear written and verbal explanations to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
Own large-scale expense analytics, including trend analysis, cost driver analysis, and peer benchmarking to identify improvement opportunities.
Liaise independently with global budget stakeholders, guiding them through budget preparation, reviews, and variance discussions.
Work closely with Accounts Payable and General Ledger teams to interpret transactional detail, improve expense classification and guidance, and support coordinated month-end planning and close activities.
Research anomalies, cost spikes, and structural changes in expense data with minimal supervision.
Build and maintain financial models, forecasts, projections, and management-ready schedules using existing firm systems and tools.
Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including expense, trend, and variance analysis.
Handle multi-currency expense data and apply foreign exchange logic accurately and consistently.
Ensure adherence to internal controls, procedures, and data accuracy standards.
Continuously improve reporting and analysis through enhanced modeling, automation, and more effective use of financial tools.
Prepare accurate operational and financial information for internal leadership and, as required, external organizations.
Collaborate with Finance team members to support overall department objectives.
Perform special projects and ad hoc analyses at the request of the CFO or senior finance leadership.