Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

Job Details

Experience: Director

Salary: $150,000 - $185,000 per year

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead the day‑to‑day accounting operations for a large, multi‑state law firm. This individual will oversee the firm's accounting functions, ensure the integrity of financial reporting, strengthen internal controls, and provide strategic financial support to executive leadership. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on accounting leader with experience managing complex financial operations across multiple offices while developing high‑performing teams and driving process improvements.

• Lead the firm's monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, account reconciliations, and management reporting packages.
• Maintain responsibility for the general ledger, chart of accounts, journal entries, accruals, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and all supporting schedules to ensure compliance with accounting standards and firm policies.
• Direct the daily operations of the Accounting Department, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Client Trust Accounting (IOLTA), cash management, and billing support, while ensuring consistent service levels across multiple office locations.
• Oversee all trust accounting activities to ensure compliance with applicable state bar regulations and internal controls governing client funds.
• Develop, analyze, and present financial reports, operating metrics, and variance analyses that provide leadership with meaningful insights into firm performance, profitability, cash flow, and operational trends.
• Manage the preparation and coordination of annual financial audits, tax reporting requirements, 1099 filings, business license renewals, and other regulatory compliance obligations while serving as the primary liaison to external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies.
• Monitor and strengthen accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard firm assets, improve operational efficiency, and maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize financial systems, accounting software, and reporting tools to enhance automation, data accuracy, workflow efficiency, and financial visibility throughout the organization.
• Oversee treasury functions, including daily cash positioning, bank reconciliations, ACH transactions, wire transfers, check disbursements, positive pay administration, and management of both operating and client trust accounts.
• Review and approve employee expense reimbursements, corporate credit card activity, and vendor payment requests to ensure compliance with firm policies and proper financial controls.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with banking partners, insurance providers, external auditors, tax professionals, software vendors, and other key business partners.
• Assist with the annual budgeting process, financial forecasting, and cash flow planning while partnering with executive leadership to support strategic business initiatives and long‑term financial objectives.
• Provide financial guidance to practice group leaders and department managers by delivering meaningful reporting, identifying opportunities for cost savings, and supporting informed business decisions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team through coaching, performance management, hiring, training, succession planning, and professional development, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Financial Officer on firm‑wide financial strategy, special projects, system implementations, process optimization initiatives, acquisitions or office expansions, and other executive‑level initiatives.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, enhance reporting capabilities, strengthen internal controls, and implement best practices that support the firm's continued growth.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role, within the legal industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA or MBA preferred.
• Dem…