The Controller is responsible for the accuracy of the firm’s financial statements. This position manages Accounting, Tax, Payroll, Procurement and Travel professionals. In addition, the Controller works closely with the General Counsel’s office to protect the interests of the firm and remain compliant and reduce the risk of fraud. The controller is a senior member of the Finance team and assists the Chief Financial Officer with overall firm financial leadership. A hybrid work schedule is available for this position.

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer

This position directly supervises Manager, Payroll and Partner Compensation; Senior Accountant; Manager, Procurement; Travel Administrator; Director, Tax & Compliance

Location:

Rochester, NY; Buffalo, NY; Albany, NY; Manchester, NH; Boston, MA; Providence, RI; New York, NY; Long Island, NY; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Manages General Accounting, Partner Compensation, Payroll, Tax & Compliance, Accounts Payable, Procurement and Travel.
• Manages all firm domestic and international audits. Responsible for external audit selection process and partnership with the firm’s auditors.
• Drives continuous improvement, fosters best practices and the highest levels of efficiency in the accounting, procurement, tax and payroll operations; stay abreast of new market, economic, regulatory and business trends and made appropriate changes as warranted.
• Manages monthly closing process and calendar and fiscal year-end closings. Continually models what-if scenarios each month and communicates risks and options to the CFO.
• Oversees issues which may be complex and sensitive in nature including fraud investigations, potential merger analyses or potential business changes. Adds value by solving problems, anticipating potential problems, and suggesting action plans to firm management.
• Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining procedures and education programs that help reduce the firm’s risk from financial fraud. Closely monitors industry trends regarding fraud controls.
• Participates in building a culture that is team-oriented and committed to professional excellence and high client service: lead for Finance team’s engagement program. Leads team that continually looks for ways to keep the Finance team’s satisfaction scores high.
• Manages and forecasts the firm’s daily cashflow ensuring that firm debt is consistently minimized.
• Manages the budget process for the Finance group including depreciation, amortization, tax and compliance, bank fees, etc.
• Provides oversight and direction for firm Tax and Compliance function including all federal and state filings.
• Advises firm attorneys as needed on use and controls regarding client trust accounts.
• Prepares various partner compensation analyses for potential lateral partners as well as proposed changes to the firm’s partner compensation model.
• Key approver of large firm expenditures.
• Overseas new vendor onboarding process including continuous work to improve the firm’s vendor diversity statistics.
• Responsible for the development, implementation, and compliance with the firm’s procurement, expense reimbursement, vendor payment, and travel policies.
• Oversees the management of the firm’s contract management system.
• Manages banking relationships for multiple firm accounts and client trust accounts including international banking relationships.
• Develops and oversees strategies for process improvements and problem resolutions.
• Serves as Treasurer of Nixon Peabody Trust Company
• Serves as COFA (Chief Officer for Finance and Administration) for Nixon Peabody International.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required.

Job Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principals
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong management and employee development skills
• Strategic thought leadership
• Strong computer proficiency and excellent mathematical skills. Advanced level proficiency in Excel.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Preferred MBA and/or CPA

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years in a financial leadership role

Law or professional service experience a plus.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows: Rochester, NY, Buffalo, NY, Manchester, NH: $166,850.00 to $266,950.00; Albany, NY: $175,200.00 to $280,300.00; Providence, RI: $183,500.00 to $293,650; NYC and Long Island, NY: $208,550.00 to $333,700.00; Chicago, IL: $191,850.00 to $307,000.00; Boston, MA and Washington, DC: $200,200.00 to $320,350.00;

In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above-listed salary range is Nixon Peabody’s good faith estimate of the annual salary it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting.

Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: Disability / Female / Gender Identity / Minority / Sexual Orientation / Veteran. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Melville, NY 11747