Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

Overview

At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story?

Join MoFo as CONTROLLER on our Financial Operations team!

This role can be based in San Francisco or New York.

As the Controller, you will direct the Firm’s global accounting and payroll operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the Firm’s financial records in accordance with applicable accounting standards and partnership agreements. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and overseeing the Accounting and Payroll functions, you will lead the monthly and annual close; own internal controls and the external audit;

assist with managing cash and banking activities; and partner with firm leadership on the financial operations of an AmLaw Global 50 partnership across multiple offices and currencies. You will develop and mentor a high‑performing finance team, modernize accounting and payroll processes and systems, and serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO, COO, and partnership on financial matters.

• Oversee general ledger, fixed assets, intercompany accounting, cost allocation, and multi‑currency/international consolidation; manage monthly and annual close in accordance with accounting standards and the partnership agreement.
• Prepare and review consolidated financial statements and reporting for the CFO, firm leadership, and Finance Committee; establish accounting policies, procedures, and the chart of accounts.
• Support treasury (banking relationships, FX platform administration), borrowing base/covenant compliance reporting, Japan tax refund budgeting and partner settlements, insurance/survey data requests, and year‑end disbursement planning.
• Serve as controller for the charitable foundation (accounting, financial statements, audit) and administer the tuition loan program; act as liaison for accounting services to international finance teams and internal stakeholders.

• Direct multi‑jurisdiction payroll for attorneys, staff, and partners, ensuring accurate, timely processing, including partner draws and guaranteed payments.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, local, and international tax withholding, reporting, and filing requirements.
• Oversee payroll integration with the general ledger, benefits, and time‑and‑attendance systems, maintaining segregation of duties and controls.
• Partner with HR and Benefits on compensation changes, bonus cycles, and year‑end reporting (W‑2, 1099, and international equivalents); review exchange rates used for international compensation.

• Design and maintain internal controls over financial reporting, disbursements, receipts, partnership accounting, and payroll; document controls and risk matrices with process owners.
• Coordinate periodic testing of controls, monitor exceptions and remediation, and manage external resources supporting testing and internal audit functions, including bi‑annual system access reviews.
• Lead the annual external audit and other statutory/regulatory examinations as primary liaison to auditors, preparing supporting schedules and work papers.
• Partner with Tax on filing obligations and complex transactions; monitor changes in accounting standards and regulations, and provide information supporting US and international tax compliance.

• Lead evaluation, selection, and implementation of accounting/payroll systems and enhancements, serving as SME to ensure financial statement accuracy and integrity.
• Serve as finance SME for process modernization, system upgrades, and office openings/integrations.
• Partner with the CFO, COO, and practice area leaders on strategic and financial decisions (M&A, compensation currency methods, expense reimbursement policy, etc.).
• Drive standardization and automation of close, reconciliation, and reporting processes to improve productivity and reduce risk.

• Lead, develop, and mentor the Accounting and Payroll teams, setting goals, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Build a culture of accuracy, accountability,…