Global Controller

Job Description At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us.  Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

The Global Controller leads the firm’s worldwide accounting operations and is responsible for the strategic direction, management, and oversight of all accounting, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, accounts payables, collections, and financial controls. This role ensures the integrity of the firm's financial results, compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and the effectiveness of internal controls across more than 40 offices globally.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Global Controller serves as a key business partner to firm leadership, providing financial insight, driving operational excellence, and leading a geographically dispersed team of accounting professionals. The Global Controller is responsible for developing and implementing accounting policies, optimizing financial processes and systems, supporting strategic initiatives, and fostering a high-performing accounting organization.

The Global Controller also works with lawyers, department heads, outside consultants and other parties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Direct and oversee the accounting function, including general ledger management, accounts payable, collections/accounts receivable, payroll, treasury/cash management, and financial reporting across more than 40 offices globally

Oversee the preparation and analysis of accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows, ensuring compliance with local statutory and other financial reporting standards in various jurisdictions as well as modified cash basis at the firmwide

Maintain and ensure the accuracy of accounting records

Establish, implement, and monitor internal controls and risk management frameworks; conduct periodic assessments and maintain comprehensive control documentation

Lead international financial compliance initiatives, including regulatory filings in multiple jurisdictions and local statutory audits

Manage the annual external audit process, serve as primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee audit remediation activities

Develop and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and best practices across the firm; drive continuous process improvements and system optimization

Lead a team of more than 40 accounting professionals, including staff in multiple countries; provide mentorship, performance management, and career development, including evaluations and salary recommendations

Partner with CFO, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, and others on financial planning, financial analysis, and forecasting; provide insights on financial performance and business drivers

Drive technology modernization, including financial reporting, billing and collections system enhancements, data analytics capabilities, and accounting automation initiatives

Lead and/or participate in discussions with partners, office managers, and department heads/managers

Evaluate accounting-related activities; respond to day-to-day concerns; resolve existing or anticipated problems; research and respond to non-recurring questions; prepare appropriate reports; and help ensure the firm adheres to all requirements relating to accounting and financial reporting

Ensure the accounting department coordinates with and provides support regarding financial matters to other organizations in the firm, including, but not limited to, the firm’s benefits department, human resources, technology, and marketing & business development

Ensure all accounts, including trust accounts, are properly reconciled and managed with strict internal controls

Ensure professional development and career guidance are available to direct reports and their teams.

Complete special projects as needed

Required Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required (or equivalent professional qualification)10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a controller or senior equivalent role; at least 5 years of experience as a manager with responsibilities for leading and supervising accounting and finance personnel

Experience in professional services, law firm, or other partnership environment desired

Demonstrated experience managing…