Controller

Controller

The Controller oversees all accounting operations for a 30-person department, including accounts payable (AP), payroll (PR), billing, and collections. This leadership role manages three direct reports — the Billing Manager, Collections Manager, and Accounting Supervisor - and ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial processes.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in financial operations, with experience in retirement plans, partner compensation, commercial and health insurance, profitability metrics, and dashboard reporting. Familiarity with law firm accounting practices and financial systems, including the latest version of 3E, is highly desirable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all accounting operations and personnel, ensuring timely and accurate processing of transactions across AP, payroll, billing, and collections.
• Analyze and reconcile general ledger accounts, and issue monthly drafts of the Trial Balance and Financial Statements.
• Collaborate with the COO to prepare monthly management packages, financial statement drafts, and ad hoc analyses.
• Prepare annual budgets and reforecasting, providing in-depth financial analysis and recommendations.
• Enhance reporting and analytics capabilities, working with the COO to improve visibility into firm financials.
• Conduct performance reviews and goal assessments for accounting personnel; provide coaching, training, and staffing recommendations.
• Coordinate year-end schedules and serve as the primary contact for external auditors during financial and retirement plan audits.
• Lead or participate in special projects, system upgrades, and process improvement initiatives as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of seven years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to motivate and manage accounting teams effectively.
• Preferred experience with Elite 3E or Aderant financial systems.
• CPA/MBA candidates preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; ability to train team members on these tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the capacity to interpret complex financial data and create detailed reports and projections.
• Experience with project management, system implementations, and process optimization initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present financial information clearly to management and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; self-starter capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.