What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at JOHNLEONARD?
Location: Boston Metro, MA | Hybrid - 1 remote day/week
Salary Range: $160K-$180K
Schedule: Full-time | Monday-Friday, flexible for start/end time between 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM
About the Opportunity
An established law firm is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all aspects of the firm's accounting, financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, and operations. This senior leadership role will manage the Accounting Department, partner closely with executive leadership, and drive continuous process improvement across the firm's financial functions.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 15 years of progressive accounting experience
- Law firm experience is required
- Proven experience managing and developing accounting teams
- Strong knowledge of legal accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and trust accounting
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines
Responsibilities
- Oversee all daily, weekly, monthly, and annual accounting operations
- Manage month-end close, year-end close, and financial reporting processes
- Maintain and reconcile all firm bank accounts
- Manage the general ledger and ensure accurate financial records
- Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for firm leadership
- Partner with external accountants on annual financial statements, tax returns, Schedule K-1s, and required filings
- Oversee IOLTA accounts and client fund accounts
- Ensure compliance with applicable state bar regulations and trust accounting requirements
- Monitor financial controls and risk management procedures
- Manage firm billing, e-billing, collections, work-in-progress (WIP), and accounts receivable
- Analyze financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement
- Lead preparation of the annual budget
- Monitor budget performance and investigate variances
- Support long-term financial planning and forecasting initiatives
- Direct and mentor a team of accounting professionals
- Provide training, coaching, and performance management
- Develop and improve accounting policies, procedures, and workflows
- Partner with HR on payroll administration, compensation programs, bonus plans, and retirement plan administration
Apply Today
If you are an experienced Law Firm Controller, Director of Finance, Legal Accounting Manager, or senior Accounting Leader seeking a high-impact leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply today and help shape the financial future of a respected legal organization.
Founded in 1969, JOHNLEONARD, a woman-owned business, is the premier staffing choice in Boston and beyond. We provide Temporary/Contract, Direct Hire, Temp-to-Hire, and Payroll services as part of our comprehensive service offerings. JOHNLEONARD is an equal opportunity employer committed to representation, belonging, and accessibility in the workplace. All applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Salary : $160,000 - $180,000