Strategic Finance Analyst, Workforce Planning

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary
The Strategic Finance Analyst, Workforce Planning, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, is part of the Financial Planning & Analysis (“FP&A”) Strategic Finance team, focusing on developing robust multi-year workforce financial models and enabling advanced financial analysis and reporting, specifically focused on workforce planning, capacity management and leverage modeling. This position will coordinate across the revenue and expense FP&A teams, accounting, HR business partners, and practice groups to deliver actionable insights that drive growth, profitability, staffing, budgeting and operational efficiency.

The Strategic Finance Analyst will be expected to present and discuss analysis to FP&A leaders. The analysis will be part of Finance’s ability to directly inform strategic decisions and support the firm’s profitability initiatives.

Location
This position can sit in our New York, Baltimore, Short Hills, or Reston office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and maintaining workforce models across the practice groups and business lines.
• Conduct analytics including return on investment (ROI) and margin.
• Support multi-year financial forecasts and scenario modeling.
• Collaborate with FP&A, finance data analytics, HR business partners and business units to model growth opportunities and cost optimization strategies.
• Perform financial analysis to support capacity modeling and resource allocation at the subgroup, practice group and vertical levels.
• Contribute to the preparation of executive-level presentations and reports.
• Able to present and discuss analysis to Finance leadership.
• Utilize financial tools and systems to improve budgeting, forecasting accuracy, delivery and decision-making.
• Leverage Excel, Power BI, and Power Query to independently create dynamic reports, analyze and visualize data and metrics.
• Participate in future efforts to implement a workforce planning module.
• Apply AI tools including Microsoft Copilot to streamline modeling workflows, audit modeling mechanics, automate data preparation, and enhance presentations.
• Maintain the highest level of integrity with sensitive data and design processes and reporting to ensure privacy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills
Exposure to financial planning systems and ERP tools preferred. Experience with SQL, Python and / or Microsoft Copilot (and Agents) preferred. Prior experience in legal industry or professional services preferred. Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI, including advanced financial modeling, and dashboard creation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Collaborative, agile and curious mindset with an eagerness to learn.

Some travel requirements: about 10% (Short Hills primary office with occasional travel to Reston, VA or New York City offices as requested).

Minimum Education    

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
  

Preferred Education  

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Finance Analytics, Financial Engineering or in a relevant discipline, such as Statistics or Engineering.
  

Certificates 

• CFA Level I or FMVA certification preferred.
  

Minimum Years of Experience   

• 2 years of experience in Finance, FP&A, or HR Analytics.  

Essential Job Expectations
All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future. 

Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. 

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.  

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected]. 

Agency applications will not be considered.     

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship or support.  

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $85,000 - $123,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k). 

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.