Manager, Partner Accounting

Position Overview
The Manager, Partner Accounting is a key leadership role within the Finance team, responsible for overseeing all financial activities related to the firm’s partners, current, non-unit, and retired. This includes managing partner compensation, capital accounts, draws and distributions, income allocation, tax reporting, and related financial analysis.
  
The role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of all partner-related financial data and serves as a trusted advisor to firm leadership. Strong communication and relationship management skills are essential, as this position requires frequent interaction with partners and senior stakeholders, often involving sensitive financial matters.
  
This individual will continue to evolve the firm’s centralized partner accounting framework, driving process consistency, operational efficiency, and alignment across offices.
  
Key Responsibilities
  
Partner Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee the full partner accounting lifecycle, including draws, distributions, capital accounts, advances, profit allocations, and year-end adjustments.
• Maintain accurate partner financial records within the firm’s accounting system (Aderant).
• Prepare and review partner financial statements, equity reconciliations, and compensation summaries.
• Produce quarterly and annual partner financial packages; coordinate communications with firm leadership.
• Ensure compliance with partnership agreements, firm policies, and applicable accounting standards.

  
Unit Allocation & Capital Management

• Support and document the unit allocation process, providing data and analysis for partner evaluation and unit distribution.
• Track and reconcile all unit transactions (purchases, transfers, and beneficiaries).
• Manage partner capital accounts, including contributions, withdrawals, and repayments.
• Maintain detailed schedules for capital, draws, profit shares, and repayment plans.
• Coordinate with banks on partner capital loan programs, ensuring accurate administration and repayment.

  
Draws and Distributions

• Prepare and process partner and non-unit partner draws and distributions with accuracy and timeliness.
• Record and reconcile related journal entries in Aderant.
• Maintain FTE tracking and manage proration adjustments as required.
• Communicate draw and distribution details transparently to partners.

  
Retired Partners & Succession Planning

• Manage quarterly capital repayments and interest calculations for retired partners.
• Maintain repayment schedules and communicate regularly with retired partners.
• Liaise with financial institutions to ensure capital repayment loans are properly managed.
• Support long-term financial planning related to retirement, succession, and partner transitions.

  
Income Allocation & Year-End Process

• Prepare schedules and analysis for partner income allocation and year-end adjustments.
• Coordinate the preparation of partner tax packages and supporting schedules for both Canadian and U.S. partners.
• Liaise with external tax advisors, including consultants managing ITIN applications and U.S. tax filings.
• Communicate year-end financial results and tax information to partners and their accountants.
• Oversee partnership filings and related compliance reporting.

  
Financial Planning & Analysis

• Conduct modeling, forecasting, and profitability analysis to support partner compensation decisions and firm performance insights.
• Collaborate with Tax and Treasury teams on cash flow planning, partner distributions, and tax remittances.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations that enhance transparency and inform leadership’s strategic decisions.

  
Key Responsibilities
  

• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, preferably within a professional services or partnership-based organization
• CPA designation is preferred 
• Demonstrated expertise in partner compensation, capital management, and income allocation
• Strong understanding of Canadian tax principles as they relate to partnerships
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Aderant, Excel, Power BI); experience with system implementations or upgrades is an asset
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide strategic insights
• Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive financial matters with discretion
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and external advisors
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with a track record of driving process improvements and operational efficiency
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset