Established and growing law firm is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the firm’s accounting and financial operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will oversee general accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, billing, collections support, trust accounting compliance, payroll, and internal controls. This individual will play a key role in ensuring the financial health of the firm by providing accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with legal industry accounting standards, and delivering strategic financial insights to support firm leadership. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in law firm accounting, exceptional analytical skills, and experience managing the financial operations of a professional services organization.
Specific Controller Responsibilities Include:
- Lead all accounting operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, budget variance analysis, and cash flow projections.
- Oversee the firm’s general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, collections, and payroll functions.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and legal industry accounting standards.
- Monitor attorney productivity, realization, utilization, and profitability metrics.
- Partner with firm leadership to develop and monitor annual budgets and financial forecasts.
- Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies and procedures that strengthen internal controls and operational efficiency.
- Oversee the firm’s billing and collections processes, working closely with attorneys and practice group leaders to optimize cash flow and reduce aged receivables.
- Prepare financial reports and presentations for firm leadership and partners.
- Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, and other financial service providers.
- Coordinate annual financial statement audits and tax return preparation.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with Human Resources to oversee payroll processing, benefits accounting, and related financial reporting.
- Evaluate and improve accounting systems, reporting tools, and financial processes to support the firm’s growth.
Qualified Candidates Should Have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA strongly preferred).
- 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership role.
- Prior law firm or professional services accounting experience required.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
- Experience managing law firm billing, collections, trust accounting (IOLTA), and partner compensation processes.
- Proficiency with legal accounting and practice management systems, including Aderant (required).
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
- Experience working with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking relationships.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to analyze financial data and provide strategic recommendations to firm leadership.
- Experience preparing financial presentations and reports for executive leadership and firm partners.
- CPA designation preferred but not required
Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, we are targeting a salary range generally in the 200-240k range depending on experience.
