Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000

Who We Are

Richmond Vona, LLC is a personal injury law firm located in Buffalo, NY, thats changing the game for both client and employee experience. Were setting a new standard in how personal injury law is practiced and delivered.

Our mission is to provide a superior level of service to our clients through personal connection and continuous communication, while also creating a high-potential, rewarding workplace for our exceptional team.

Weve been recognized as one of Inc. 5000s Best Workplaces in America and named one of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies, ranking as the 4th fastest-growing law firm in the country. Locally, weve also been honored as a Buffalo Business First Best Places to Work. These recognitions reflect our commitment to building something different for both our clients and our people.

We believe great results come from great people, strong systems, and a culture rooted in accountability, professionalism, and teamwork. Our core values, Winning, Always Ready, Precision, High-Level Communication, Professionalism, Service, and Accountability, guide how we operate every day.

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing organization during an exciting growth phase and help build the financial infrastructure that supports long-term success.

The Opportunity

Richmond Vona is seeking an experienced Controller to lead and elevate the firms accounting and financial operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building systems, solving problems, and thinking beyond the numbers.

The Controller will oversee all core accounting functions while serving as a strategic business partner to ownership and leadership. This person must be both detail-oriented and forward-thinking someone who understands how day-to-day accounting impacts the bigger picture of profitability, growth, and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to executive leadership and working closely with our external CPA partners and Fractional CFO, the Controller will play a critical role in helping the firm scale intelligently and efficiently.

What Success Looks Like

The right person for this role is:

• A self-starter who takes ownership and moves things forward without waiting to be asked
• Comfortable operating in a high-growth, fast-moving environment
• Curious, coachable, and eager to continuously learn
• Able to balance tactical execution with strategic thinking
• A strong communicator who can translate financial data into business insight
• A leader who builds trust, accountability, and high standards
• Someone who values process improvement, efficiency, and excellence
• Energized by helping build something special
• Comfortable owning problems, identifying root causes, and implementing lasting solutions
  

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Accounting Operations

• Lead all day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, billing, general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end close
• Ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Maintain accounting records and financial systems with a high level of accuracy and organization
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and liquidity planning
• Oversee trust/client funds handling and ensure proper controls and compliance
• Oversee settlement disbursements, referral fee payments, and related financial controls
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls to reduce risk, improve accuracy, and support accountability
• Support compliance with law firm accounting requirements, including trust accounting and client fund management, as applicable

Strategic Finance & Decision Support

• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support business planning
• Analyze trends, KPIs, margins, and profitability by department or practice area
• Provide leadership with clear financial insights to support decision-making
• Identify risks, opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives
• Help leadership understand the financial impact of growth initiatives and investments
• Develop reporting and dashboards that improve visibility into financial performance and key business drivers

Process Improvement & Scalability

• Build and improve systems, workflows, and internal controls
• Create more efficient processes that support future growth
• Evaluate technology and automation opportunities across accounting functions
• Develop documentation and SOPs to ensure consistency and accountability

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner closely with Operations, HR, Marketing, Ownership, and outside advisors
• Manage and mentor accounting or administrative team members as the department grows
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
• Communicate clearly and proactively across departments
• Work closely with the firms external CPA partners and Fractional CFO to support accurate reporting, planning, and financial decision-making

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Prior experience in a Controller, Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, or similar leadership role
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls
• Experience managing full-cycle accounting operations
• Advanced proficiency in accounting systems such as QuickBooks Online or similar platforms
• Strong Excel and financial analysis skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

Strongly Preferred

• CPA or CPA-track
• Experience in professional services industries (law firm, consulting, accounting firm, medical practice, agency, etc.)
• Experience in a growing entrepreneurial company
• Experience managing or mentoring staff
• Experience with budgeting tools

Why Join Richmond Vona?

Compensation

$90,000 $120,000 based on experience, qualifications, and leadership background. Performance-based bonus opportunities available.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage
• 401(k) with firm contribution
• Paid time off
• Hybrid flexibility after the onboarding period
• Free onsite parking
• Summer hours
• Team recognition programs
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Career Growth

We are growing quickly, and this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing with the organization. For the right leader, this can evolve into a broader finance leadership role over time.

Our Core Values in Action

We are looking for someone who naturally aligns with our values:

• Winning Pursues excellence and results
• Always Ready Prepared, proactive, and dependable
• Precision High standards and attention to detail
• High-Level Communication Clear, respectful, responsive communication
• Professionalism Mature, trustworthy, polished presence
• Service Supports teammates and clients with urgency and care
• Accountability Owns outcomes and follows through

Ready to Apply?

If you are an accounting leader who wants more than a traditional back-office role and youre excited to help build a high-performing, people-first organization, wed love to hear from you.