Controller

Are you a financial leader ready to transform the accounting landscape of a dynamic law firm?

Do you thrive in environments navigating complex transactions and strategic decision-making?

Can you elevate financial operations in a firm committed to justice and client compensation?

Are you prepared to innovate financial controls and reporting in a growing legal environment?

Final question: When faced with a challenge, do you get excited or run away?

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Founded in 1984, Stampone O'Brien Dilsheimer Holloway is a distinguished personal injury law firm based in Philadelphia. We specialize in handling complex cases, including catastrophic accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to delivering justice and have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Our firm prides itself on a 99% success rate, advocating tirelessly for our clients' rights.

Our mission extends beyond winning cases; we aim to make a positive impact on the community through our dedicated legal services. With a deep understanding of personal injury law, we provide compassionate and robust representation, ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm culture is built on integrity, excellence, and commitment to client advocacy, fostering a supportive environment for both clients and employees.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the firm, including trust accounting compliance, case cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. This role requires a strong understanding of law firm finance, particularly the unique accounting requirements of a contingency-fee-based personal injury practice, including client trust (IOLTA) accounting, case cost tracking, and settlement disbursement processes.

At Stampone O'Brien Dilsheimer Holloway, the Controller role is essential for advancing our financial integrity and operational efficiency. As our firm grows, this position supports rigorous financial oversight, strategic planning, and process improvements while providing critical financial insights that drive decision-making and strengthen efficient resource management.

Role Snapshot:

• Department: Finance & Accounting
• Reports To: Managing Partner / Chief Operating Officer
• FLSA Status: Exempt
  
  

What you’ll do:

• Financial Operations: Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
• Trust Accounting: Manage and reconcile client trust accounts (IOLTA) in strict compliance with state bar regulations.
• Case Cost Accounting: Oversee case cost accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of advanced litigation costs per case/client matter.
• Settlement Disbursement: Coordinate settlement disbursement processing, including verification of liens, medical bills, attorney fees, and net client proceeds.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for partners/ownership.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the firm's annual operating budget; monitor variances and provide recommendations.
• Cash Flow Forecasting: Manage cash flow forecasting, accounting for the irregular timing of contingency fee revenue, including settlement-driven revenue timing.
• Tax, Audit & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local tax filings and regulatory requirements; coordinate with outside CPA firms for tax preparation and annual financial audits/reviews.
• Internal Controls: Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard firm and client assets from risk and fraud.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and mentor accounting/bookkeeping staff, including a part-time bookkeeper as applicable.
• Profitability Analysis: Analyze firm profitability by practice area, referral source, or case type to support strategic decision-making.
• Banking & Financing: Manage firm's banking relationships, lines of credit, and any case cost financing arrangements.
• Partner Compensation: Support partner compensation calculations and distributions.
• Process Improvement: Recommend and implement process improvements and accounting system upgrades, including participation in technological advancements and modern financial systems.

What we’re looking for:

• Professional Experience: 10-15 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 5 years in a law firm environment; personal injury or plaintiff-side litigation experience is highly preferred.
• Educational Credentials: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools, with experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks Online and legal practice management/accounting software such as Filevine, Litify, Needles, Clio, PCLaw, or similar.
• Legal Acumen: Demonstrated expertise in trust accounting and IOLTA compliance requirements, with strong knowledge of GAAP and case cost/disbursement accounting methodologies.
• Budgeting & Audit Experience: Experience managing firm budgets, cash flow forecasting, including settlement-driven revenue timing, and financial audits.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership skills with experience supervising, training, and mentoring accounting/bookkeeping staff.
• Communication Ability: Excellent communication skills to interface with partners, attorneys, outside auditors, and tax preparers.
• Integrity & Discretion: High degree of integrity and discretion given the handling of client trust funds and settlement proceeds.

Why you should work here: 

• Career Growth: Opportunity to shape and influence the financial strategy of a leading personal injury law firm.
• Leadership Access: Collaborate closely with firm leadership, impacting significant decisions and improvements.
• Impactful Work: Play a key role in building financial infrastructure that supports legal victories and client satisfaction.
• Innovative Environment: Drive process improvements and implement modern financial systems, including participation in technological advancements.

Expected Total Compensation:

For a candidate with approximately 10-15 years of relevant experience, particularly with law firm and trust accounting expertise, expected total compensation typically ranges as follows. Figures may vary based on firm size, geographic market, and firm revenue.

• Base Salary: $120,000 - $160,000 annually

Additional perks:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with firm matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policies to promote work-life balance.
• Bonus Structure: Performance-based bonuses linked to firm achievements and personal goals.
• Flexible Arrangement: Potential for one remote workday per week.

Join Stampone O'Brien Dilsheimer Holloway and contribute to a firm where your financial acumen can make a tangible difference. If you are ready to take on this pivotal role and advance your career, we invite you to apply. Your expertise will be vital in shaping our financial future and ensuring we continue to secure justice for our clients.