Controller

Job Description

Our Law Firm client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controller to lead their Finance operations. This individual will report to the Chief Financial Officer and will be responsible for managing the finance staff as well as partner compensation, fixed assets, banking, account reconciliations, and general accounting operations. You should have knowledge and experience in all roles within the department. You will be responsible for maintaining an adequate system of accounting records and a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the firm’s reported financial results, and ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and the firm’s financial reporting standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare monthly Partner Distribution Analysis for CFO review
• Ensure required debt payments and depreciation entries are made on a timely basis
• Maintain the chart of accounts and recommend improvements
• Review and post month-end and year-end journal entries
• Assist in preparation of K-1 spreadsheets for outside tax counsel’s use in completing the annual Form 1065 and partner K-1s
• Serve as the main point of contact with outside tax counsel and oversee the annual financial review and tax returns
• Prepare annual San Francisco business tax and property tax returns, for CFO review
• Lead a team of eight finance professionals in Accounts Payable, Billing, Cash Receipts, Trust, General Ledger, and Payroll functions
• Oversee hiring, training, and performance evaluations for the Finance team to ensure high-quality operations
• Manage and review the AP process to ensure timely and accurate vendor payments
• Supervise the billing process, ensuring compliance with client agreements and accurate invoice generation
• Oversee cash receipts operations, ensuring timely and accurate application of client payments
• Ensure strict compliance with trust account regulations, maintaining proper segregation of funds and accurate reconciliations
• Ensure reconciliations are performed and adjustments made as needed for all relevant balance sheet accounts, including cash accounts
• Oversee the maintenance of fixed assets and accumulated depreciation; ensure fixed asset inventory is current, and provide depreciation analysis and projections throughout the year
• Collaborate with the CFO to develop and enforce financial controls and policies to mitigate risk

Reporting and Compliance:

• Calculate and issue financial and operating metrics, as requested
• Assist the CFO with the annual budget and forecasts, as requested
• Calculate budget variances and report significant issues to the CFO
• Coordinate providing information to external auditors for the annual audit
• Monitor debt levels and ensure compliance with debt covenants
• Provide backup support to the CFO on special projects and during times of increased workload

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration
• Three to five (3-5) years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, including at least three (3) years of experience managing direct reports and other team members
• Strong understanding of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Understanding of cash-basis accounting and reporting
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload to meet tight deadlines
• Proficiency in financial systems and accounting software (e.g., Elite 3E, Aderant, Chrome River) strongly preferred
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead, support, and develop a team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, preferably in a setting with minimal structure
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present financial information to colleagues without a finance background, including firm leadership
• Willingness to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities as needed

Strongly Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in financial systems and accounting software (e.g., Elite 3E, Aderant, Chrome River)
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment
• Thrives, and has a demonstrated ability to innovate and build consensus, in a less structured environment

Work Environment:

• Full-time, with willingness to occasionally work extended hours as business needs require
• The position is a hybrid role, working in the San Francisco office a minimum of three days per week.
• Salary Range: $200,000 – $225,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications).