Financial Controller

Financial Controller- Little Canada, Wayzata, or Burnsville, MN

The Controller is a senior finance leader responsible for overseeing the organization’s accounting and financial reporting functions to ensure accuracy, integrity, and operational efficiency. This role manages all aspects of financial operations, including daily accounting activities, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

In addition to core financial oversight, the Controller works closely with executive leadership to evaluate financial performance, identify trends and risks, and provide strategic insights that support organizational growth and decision-making. The Controller also leads and mentors the finance team, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across departments.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee Daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger.

• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP and company policies.

• Analyze financial reports and data, trends and costs, revenues, and cash management, assuring compliance with company policies and procedures, and make recommendations.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process.

• Review annual budget drafts before presenting to the executive leadership team.

• Coordinate with the executive leadership team on the business plan and adjustments to the budget.

• Support the creation and maintenance of a cash flow forecast, closely working with executive leadership to monitor and address any forecasted shortfalls.  

• Develop financial forecasts under variable billing structures and provide analysis of variances.

• Partner with executive leadership to provide insights and recommendations for financial performance improvement.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Design and maintain strong internal controls that detect and prevent financial errors and fraud, and also ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.

• Prepares annual Financial Statements and Reports for the CPA to prepare Corporate Income Tax Returns. Prepares annual non-W-2 worker misc. tax forms for Subcontractors. Prepares all other tax reports required by the state and/or federal governments.

• Ensure Annual License (State/County/City) renewal.

• Coordinate external audits and manage relationships with auditors.

• Analyze profitability by client and case type.

• Manage billing, collections, and realization rates for optimal cash flow.

• Develop, implement, and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and systems for efficiency and accuracy.

• Identify and mitigate financial risks before they impact firm operations.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Provide training and support when necessary.

• Communicate financial data to attorneys and other stakeholders.

Strategic Support & Process Improvement

• Act as a financial advisor to executive leadership by analyzing financial trends and risks.

• Identify opportunities for new financial models and processes.

• Improve profitability and cost-effectiveness across all departments without compromising compliance.

• Measure ROI from technology and infrastructure investments.

• Streamline month-end and year-end close processes.

• Support long-term business planning and strategic initiatives, and align financial strategy with the firm’s revenue growth goals.

Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors to monitor vendor performance, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, quality standards, and timelines.

• Implements processes to evaluate, select, and review vendors to align with the company's financial and operational objectives.

• Holds vendors accountable for delivering value, escalating and resolving issues as needed.

• Partners with internal departments to ensure vendor services support business needs and compliance requirements.

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field strongly preferred; bachelor's degree in one of those fields required.

• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

• In-depth knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage Intacct) and advanced Excel skills.

• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.

• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a big-picture perspective.

• High ethical standards and integrity.