Chief Financial Officer

Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC (DRM) – one of Northern New England’s largest law firms – is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our administrative team.

The ideal candidate will be a finance leader who takes a forward-thinking approach to leading the daily operations of the accounting and billing department, and provides oversight over information technology personnel while reporting directly to the Managing / Deputy Managing Partners, and meeting regularly with the Chief People Officer and firm practice group leaders. The successful candidate will possess a solid understanding of accounting principles and regulatory requirements, strong leadership skills, and high technological aptitude.

Work with a team of industry-leading professionals while thriving in the lifestyle that only Vermont can provide, with Montreal, Boston, and New York City just a few hours away by car.  We pride ourselves on investing in our employees’ professional growth within sophisticated practices with mentorship and training, leading technology, and a top-notch support staff.  We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture of excellence, with opportunities to present and work with attorneys on challenging topics, and make decisions affecting the communities in which firm personnel live, work and play.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and evaluation of short- and long-term financial objectives for a 120 person organization covering five separate offices.
• Direct budget development to support short- and long-term planning of strategic goals, including potential once-in-a-generation real estate decisions, as well as AI investment.
• Establish, monitor and enforce internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local legal requirements, including trust (IOLTA) accounting rules.
• Oversee the financial, accounting and information technology teams.
• Assist with compensation decisions, lease and capital planning, and budgeting priorities.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to Firm management.
• Oversee billing, collections, work-in-process and realization.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships and credit facilities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, accounting, finance, or management.
• Ability to work effectively as a key team member while also being able to work independently and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to generate respect and trust from directors and employees of the firm.
• Proficiency with a variety of software tools including Accounting software, Microsoft Office Suite, data analytics  tools, and AI Tools (e.g., Claude).
• Demonstrated success in managing organizational change and improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10 years of financial leadership experience, preferably in a law firm or other professional services firm.
• Master’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or management.
• CPA or CLM professional designation preferred.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Programs
• Optional Life / Long Term Care Insurance
• 401(k) Matching
• Optional 401(k) Student Loan Repayment Matching Program
• Profit Sharing

The expected base pay range is $165,000 - $185,000 a year, with opportunity for bonuses. This is the pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

The position is envisioned as requiring an in-person presence in DRM’s Burlington office at least three days per week, with occasional travel to other DRM offices in St. Johnsbury, Lebanon, or Brattleboro. Remote work arrangements may be available for exceptional candidates.