Working Capital Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Working Capital Manager to join the Finance team, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.Working Capital team - Belfast The Working Capital team plays a pivotal role within the Finance function, driving operational excellence and strengthening the firm's financial performance. The department is responsible for delivering high‑quality, timely billing, cash allocation, and collections processes, supporting internal teams and global stakeholders. We foster a high‑performance, empowered, and collaborative culture where people feel trusted, valued, and equipped to excel. What you will do As the Working Capital Manager, you will lead a high‑performing team to deliver operational excellence, drive transformational improvements, and build strong global stakeholder relationships through proactive leadership, continuous optimisation, and data‑driven decision‑making.

• Support the Senior Working Capital Manager in delivering operational excellence and driving transformation across the working capital function.
• Lead a high‑performing team of 15-20 professionals, including two direct reports, championing a culture of empowerment, trust, and accountability.
• Cultivate an inclusive and high‑performance team environment where individuals feel heard and able to contribute meaningfully.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members while modelling strong self‑awareness and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Support the delivery of the strategic roadmap for working capital transformation, ensuring alignment with firm‑wide objectives.
• Identify and drive opportunities for automation, standardisation, and process optimisation across systems and workflows.
• Apply sound judgment, agility, and proactive problem‑solving as business needs evolve.
• Define, track, and analyse key KPIs to inform decision‑making and support continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with global stakeholders, including Partners, Finance Business Partners, and client teams.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality outputs while maintaining full compliance with firm policies and standards.

What you will have

• Proven experience leading large, high‑performing finance or working capital teams in a complex or professional services environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and align teams around a shared vision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across global stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical, commercial, and problem‑solving capabilities with a continuous improvement mindset.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, integrity, and self‑awareness.
• Experience in legal or professional services working capital processes (billing, WIP, collections) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with financial systems and data tools, and the ability to interpret and leverage data for insight generation.
• A personal leadership style that is collaborative, resilient, solutions‑oriented, and growth‑focused.

What we can offer you 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 GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together. Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required. 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. If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.