The Controller is a key leadership role responsible for the firm's overall financial health and integrity. This individual will manage all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management. A deep understanding of legal accounting principles, particularly
trust (IOLTA) accounting, and the unique revenue cycles of a contingency and/or fee-based law firm is essential. The ideal candidate will be a proactive partner to the firm's management, providing data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making.Duties and Responsibilities:Financial Management & Reporting:
- Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) for ownership review.
- Develop and manage the firm's annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Analyze the financial viability of case investments and contingent fee structures.
Billing & Collections (A/R):
- Supervise the billing department to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant client invoicing for flat-rate and contingent fee arrangements.
- Manage the accounts receivable process, implementing effective strategies to minimize aging and improve collection rates on client bills and contingent fee awards.
- Monitor and report on the firm's collection effectiveness and work-in-progress (WIP).
Case Cost & Trust (IOLTA) Accounting:
- Maintain and enforce strict protocols for IOLTA (Client Trust) account management, ensuring 100% compliance with state bar regulations.
- Oversee the tracking and accounting of significant case costs advanced by the firm.
- Reconcile trust accounts monthly and prepare reports for attorney and management review.
Payables & Payroll:
- Oversee accounts payable and ensure timely payment of vendor invoices.
- Manage the payroll process in conjunction with HR, ensuring accurate calculation of partner draws, employee compensation, and benefits allocations.
- Oversee firm operating accounts and cash management.
Compliance & Operations:
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax filings (income, sales & use, payroll).
- Coordinate with outside CPA firm for the annual tax return preparation and financial review/audit.
- Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal control policies and procedures.
- Manage the firm's relationship with banks, lenders, and other financial institutions.
- Evaluate, implement, and optimize financial technology systems (e.g., practice management software, billings systems).
Desired Skills:
- Unimpeachable Integrity and Discretion: Must handle highly sensitive financial and case information with the utmost confidentiality.
- Analytical and Strategic Thinker: Ability to move beyond reporting numbers to providing actionable insights.
- Proactive and Hands-On: Willing to both lead and "roll up their sleeves" to get the job done in a mid-size firm environment.
- Exceptional Communication: Ability to translate complex financial concepts for attorneys and staff clearly and concisely.
- Highly Organized and Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail, especially concerning compliance and trust accounting.
- Strong Leadership & Management: Experience managing and developing a small accounting team.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Starting Salary: $115,000 annually.
- 120 hours of PTO after a 90-day probation period (unused hours are forfeited annually).
- Typically, 17+ paid holidays per year.
- Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums for the employee.
- 3% employer 401k contribution after two years of employment.
- Business casual dress code, with exceptions based on assigned tasks.
- Team-oriented work environment.
- Annual performance reviews.
Additional Information:This job description outlines the primary duties and qualifications for the role. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and duties may evolve to meet the needs of the firm. A pre-employment background check is required.If you are a motivated, organized, and professional individual with a passion for legal work, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity to join our team and contribute to our success!
