This is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, governance, and continuous improvement of client data management and client onboarding from a Finance perspective. The Senior Manager will ensure the highest standards of client data integrity, drive operational efficiency, and maintain compliance with regulatory and client specific requirements. The successful candidate will lead a team of data professionals, champion process improvement initiatives, and act as a trusted partner to stakeholders across the business Key relationships;
Commercial & Pricing Team, Finance Systems Group, E-Billing and Billing Teams globally
Client relationship teams including Partners and marketing departments
In house legal, Engagement Terms teams and InfoSec
Responsibilities Process Improvement & Transformation
Identify, design, and implement process improvements across the client data lifecycle – from client onboarding and data capture through to set-up maintenance, reporting, and archival
Drive automation and technology adoption to enhance efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and minimize error rates
Lead client data review and system process improvement projects, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum data integrity
Apply continuous improvement methodologies to optimize client data workflows and eliminate waste
Data Strategy & Governance
Develop and execute the firm’s client data management strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements
Establish and maintain client data governance frameworks, including data ownership, quality standards, and lifecycle management policies
Define and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and data quality metrics, reporting regularly to senior leadership
Ensure compliance with client and industry-specific onboarding and client data requirements
Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership
Partner with senior stakeholders across Client Services, Finance, Compliance, Risk, external vendors and IT to understand business needs and deliver data solutions
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Report to senior leadership on client data quality, risks, improvement initiatives, and strategic recommendations
Act as the firm’s subject matter expert on client data management best practices
Represent the function in firm-wide governance forums and project steering committees
People Management & Development
Lead, manage, and develop a team of client data management professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning
Set clear objectives and performance expectations, conducting regular reviews and providing coaching and mentoring
Identify skill gaps and develop training plans to build team capability
Manage resource planning, recruitment, and succession planning for the function
Essential Experience
Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in client data management, client on-boarding, data governance, or related operational roles, with at least 5+ years at a management level
Proven track record of designing and delivering process improvement and transformation initiatives
Demonstrable experience managing and developing teams in a professional services or accounting/financial services environment
Experience working with senior stakeholders and presenting to executive-level audiences
Strong understanding of regulatory requirements relating to client data
Experience leading client data migrations/ system integrations and process improvement projects
Background in accounting, audit, or professional services firms
Exposure to billing and rates management, ideally with experience managing ebilling vendors/processes
Technical Skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (complex formulae, Power Query, pivot tables, macros/VBA)
Working knowledge of SQL and database management principles
Familiarity with data governance frameworks and tools
Understanding of data architecture and interrogation of datasets
Exposure to workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate, Power Apps)
Experience with process improvement tools and techniques (e.g Visio, Lucidchart)
Exposure to AI and automation process review
Soft Skills & Personal Attributes
Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
Proven change management skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and drive adoption
Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
Commercially astute with a strong understanding of how data supports business objectives
Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.
Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time ( i.e. three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.
About A&O Shearman
Professional Services5,001-10,000Founded 1930
A&O Shearman is a global law firm formed from the 2024 merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, with approximately 4,000 lawyers across 49 offices in 29 countries. The firm advises on complex cross-border transactions, disputes, and regulatory matters.
