Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Location:  Buffalo, NY, Tampa, FL or fully remote (with limited travel) (Eastern time zone preferred) 

Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the firm's financial operations and reporting functions. This role requires hands-on expertise with legal practice management/billing systems and a strong background in law firm financial management, including trust accounting, client billing, and firm-wide financial reporting. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented finance leader who can manage day-to-day accounting operations while also partnering with firm leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. Experience with Aderant required. SQL and SSRS reporting is preferred but not required for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and trust accounting.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to firm leadership and partners.
• Work with the COO and firm management to develop financial metrics, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate firm performance.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, profitability, realization rates, utilization rates, and working capital.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting activities.
• Provide financial modeling and analysis to support strategic initiatives and partner decision-making.
• Monitor departmental and practice area budgets and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Cash Management & Treasury

• Manage firm cash flow, banking relationships, and treasury functions.
• Oversee collections and working capital management.
• Monitor trust account balances and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.

Law Firm Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, firm policies, and legal industry accounting requirements.
• Oversee attorney trust accounting (IOLTA) and related reconciliations.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial risk management processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team.
• Establish performance goals and professional development plans for staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with HR regarding payroll accounting, benefits accounting, and compensation reporting.

Partner Compensation & Firm Analysis

• Support partner compensation calculations and reporting.
• Analyze attorney productivity, realization, collections, and profitability.
• Prepare financial presentations and recommendations for executive leadership and partnership meetings.
• Provide actionable insights to improve firm financial performance.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee financial systems, accounting software, and reporting tools.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.
• Collaborate with IT and operational leaders on technology enhancements.
• Ensure data integrity and security of financial information.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• MBA or advanced finance degree is a plus.

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred. 
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior experience as a Controller or senior finance leader. 
• Law firm experience required. 
• Hands-on experience with Aderant is required. 
• Knowledge of and use of SQL and SSRS reporting with Aderant.
• Strong understanding of trust accounting and multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements. 
• Proven experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for a multi-office organization. 
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with legal billing, partner compensation models, and trust accounting.
• Advanced financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Strong knowledge of accounting software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with attorneys, partners, and executive leadership.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proven leadership and staff development capabilities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of monthly financial reporting.
• Budget and forecast accuracy.
• Cash flow management and working capital metrics.
• Trust account compliance and audit results.
• Profitability by attorney, practice group, and office.
• Accounting department efficiency and staff development outcomes.

Why Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP

At Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady, we're building something different. We believe in a new legal services model — one unrestrained by the traditional billable hour and driven instead by exceptional client service, innovative technology, creativity, efficiency, and unparalleled value. Our mission is to create a community of legal service providers who are passionate about what they do and committed to doing it better.

We approach our work through teamwork, continuous process improvement, alternative service models, and cutting-edge technology. While professional licensing requires us to be a law firm, nothing says we have to act like one. Our team is composed of diverse individuals from a wide range of socio-economic, cultural, geographic, and educational backgrounds — and we believe that diversity of perspective is one of our greatest strengths.

Our Values

We put our people first and communicate openly. We share goals, success, and accountability — no individual agendas. We treat everyone with respect and humility. We maximize every opportunity, embrace change, and always look for yes. We nurture creativity, growth, and a little weirdness — because a great team is also a great community.

Professional Growth & Career Development

We are deeply committed to the growth and development of every member of our team. At GCKB, professional development isn't a perk — it's a priority. We invest in our people through ongoing learning opportunities, mentorship, and a culture that actively supports each team member in pursuing their individual career goals. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, expand your skill set, or grow into new responsibilities, we want to help you get there. We believe that when our people thrive, our clients and our firm thrive alongside them. In areas involving litigation, we are a trial firm. As a result, we are committed to and invest in training the next generation of trial lawyers.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience and skill set, and comes with a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) (with generous vested match), flexible work options, and paid time off.