Assistant Controller

With 500+ professionals and 350+ business professionals, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (), is a multidisciplinary, integrated national professional services firm known for quality and an extraordinary commitment to clients. The Firm’s groundbreaking approach—bringing together legal services, advocacy and business strategy—differentiates Manatt from its competitors and positions the Firm to provide a distinct and compelling value proposition.

The Assistant Controller is a key leadership role within the Accounting & Finance Department, acting as the operational bridge between the Controller and the Payroll and Accounting Managers. This position is responsible for overseeing core accounting operations, ensuring the integrity of operational and financial performance, and driving continuous process improvements. The Assistant Controller will supervise the Accounting Manager and Payroll Manager;

and will collaborate closely with the Controller to implement best practices, maintain internal controls, support strategic financial initiatives while supporting a team with diverse professional strengths through clear, hands‑on leadership.

• Collaborate closely with the Accounting Manager to oversee daily accounts payable operations, ensuring timely, accurate invoice processing and disbursements in adherence to company policies and internal control procedures.
• Oversee the firm’s cash flow and treasury functions, including liquidity monitoring, cash forecasting, and implement cash management strategies and policies that safeguard funds and uphold the firm’s financial stability and liquidity targets.
• Maintain and implement robust internal control systems and enforce accounting policies and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure regulatory compliance to continuously strengthen compliance and financial controls.
• Work closely with the Payroll Manager to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing in compliance with current federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Review of the semi‑monthly multi‑state payroll register to ensure accuracy and compliance prior to payroll submission.
• Support the budgeting and forecasting processes, including variance analysis and reporting for departmental managers and office administrators.
• Drive process improvements and streamline accounting operations, incorporating AI and automation when appropriate to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Participate in special projects as assigned by the Controller, including system upgrades, and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Monitor progress toward team goals, ensure accountability, and keep the department aligned with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a strong people leader who fosters a collaborative, high‑performance team environment, providing interpersonal guidance, coaching, and professional development support for direct reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience in a professional services environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with accounting and financial systems (e.g., Aderant, Workday, Vena) strongly preferred; experience with Emburse a plus.
• Advanced experience in Microsoft Suite (e.g., with focus on advanced Excel skills)
• Experience with treasury operations, including management of cash, bank accounts, and related reconciliations.
• Knowledge and hands‑on experience with multi‑state payroll requirements, with the ability to review payroll registers and identify state‑specific discrepancies.
• Strong people leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, coach, and develop team members with diverse professional strengths.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, organizational skills.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The role requires a hands‑on approach, strong attention to detail, and the ability to drive change in a dynamic environment.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and judgment.
• Demonstrated reliability…