Controller

Job Description

Controller – Legal Industry

Our client, a prominent and growing professional services organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead and oversee the firm’s core accounting operations and financial management functions. This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to partner closely with executive management, drive operational excellence, and help support the continued strategic growth of a sophisticated multi-office organization.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on and strategic finance leader with deep expertise in accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and team leadership. This role will oversee critical financial functions including budgeting, tax, payroll, client trust accounting, accounts payable, cash management, fixed assets, insurance analysis, and financial reporting while helping modernize processes through data analytics and technology-driven solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all core accounting and finance operations, including budgeting, tax, financial accounting, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, treasury, and client trust accounting functions.
• Manage firm cash flow and liquidity to optimize the use of financial resources and support operational and strategic objectives.
• Prepare and oversee accurate and timely financial reporting, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, partner capital reporting, and budget variance analyses in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop, implement, and monitor strong internal controls and financial systems to ensure data integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct ongoing financial and operational analyses to support leadership decision making and ensure alignment with financial plans and organizational objectives.
• Monitor changes in accounting standards, tax regulations, and industry trends, advising leadership on potential impacts and recommended actions.
• Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and expense planning processes, including related financial analysis and reporting.
• Coordinate and manage the firm’s annual external audit process, including interactions with independent auditors, tax advisors, insurance auditors, and other regulatory entities.
• Hire, mentor, develop, and lead a high-performing accounting and finance team while fostering a collaborative and service-oriented culture.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, workplace policies, and operational procedures within the department.
• Support workplace investigations, conflict resolution efforts, and employee relations matters in partnership with leadership and HR when needed.
• Utilize data analytics tools and business intelligence platforms to deliver meaningful financial insights and enhance real-time reporting capabilities.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and implement technology solutions that increase efficiency, automation, and reporting accuracy.
• Oversee partner distribution processes and payroll operations to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and timely execution.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and client service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred.
• Significant progressive accounting and finance leadership experience, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, tax, payroll, treasury management, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing accounting and finance teams.
• Experience with financial systems, automated accounting platforms, business intelligence tools, and data analytics technologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and strategic problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with executive leadership, partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance and accounting leader seeking a highly impactful role within a dynamic and well-established organization that values innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity or other finance and accounting leadership roles with our clients across the United States, please contact James Martinos at 732-965-1094 and/or jmartinos@friedmanwilliams.com