Financial Controller

A highly respected plaintiffs’ law firm is seeking an experienced Controller to lead all financial operations, accounting, and related administrative functions. This role is ideal for a hands‑on, detail‑driven financial leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑focused professional services environment.

The Controller reports to senior leadership and oversees firmwide accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and operational finance. This role also manages payroll, benefits administration, trust accounting, case cost management, and financial compliance. The Controller leads a small team and partners closely with attorneys, management, and external vendors.

• Oversee full-cycle accounting: billing, AP/AR, payroll, bank reconciliations, financial reporting, fixed assets, trust accounts.
• Prepare monthly and year-end financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Manage audits, coordinate with external CPA firms, and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Oversee case-cost reporting, time/expense auditing, and collaboration with co-counsel.
• Implement internal controls, financial policies, and process improvements.
• Manage ACH/wire transfers with strict fraud‑prevention accuracy.
• Supervise accounting staff and external contractors.
• Administer Tabs3/Practice Master and other financial systems.

• Manage semi‑monthly payroll, benefits administration, and 401(k) compliance.
• Support onboarding/offboarding and HR compliance.
• Maintain multistate employment compliance and support HR policy development.

• Collaborate on office operations, facilities management, and major purchases.
• Serve as administrator for cloud systems (Quick Books, Tabs3, Egencia, Certify, etc.).
• Participate in operational strategic planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field; 7+ years of accounting experience.
• 5+ years in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Expertise in Quick Books, Microsoft Office, and cloud‑based administrative platforms.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with Tabs3/Practice Master.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project‑management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with high accuracy.

• CPA, CLM, SHRM certification, or similar.
• Prior experience with plaintiff/defense law firms or billable‑hour professional services.
• Advanced financial modeling or multi‑state tax knowledge.
• Reports to the Executive Director and Managing Partner; manages two direct reports.