Assistant Controller (New Haven)

The Assistant Controller is responsible for performing highly specialized accounting work required to maintain the Firm’s general ledger and direct the general accounting functions. Working under the direction of the Controller, the newly created position directs and coordinates the activities of junior and senior accountants on the accounting team, including direct responsibility for the general accounting functions, reconciliations, GL hygiene, audit preparation, assist with federal and state tax compliance, information compiling, and process governance, trust accounting, and supervising a team of 3-5 people as needed.

Job Duties

The following are essential job duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Controller. This list is not exhaustive, and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Oversee the daily activities to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the Firm’s general ledger.
• Provide timely, relevant, and accurate reporting and analysis of the results of the Firm’s performance against historical, budgeted, and forecasted results, to facilitate decision-making toward the achievement of the budget and strategic plan.
• Improve financial status by analyzing results: monitoring variances; identifying trends; recommending actions to the Controller.
• Assist with the Firm’s annual audit. This includes preparing and directing the preparation of schedules requested by outside accountants as well as researching and answering questions from the outside accountants as necessary.
• Assist the Controller with firm tax return preparation and supply information necessary to complete the federal and state tax filings.
• Increase productivity by developing automated accounting applications, coordinating information requirements and assuring successful implementations.
• Keep track of, and assure compliance with various federal, state and local tax and reporting requirements
• Direct and supervise the month-end and year-end close process to ensure adherence with Firm accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Supervise the preparation of monthly work papers on all essential balance sheet and income statement accounts, including reviewing journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist with the preparation, analysis and review of monthly financial statements and results. This includes review and analysis of the firm’s income statement and supporting schedules.
• Oversee the daily treasury operations, including monitoring cash flow forecasts to ensure adequate funding for operations and managing the firm’s accounts with various financial institutions. Report on cash balances to firm’s management daily/weekly.
• Supervise and assure compliance with all statutes and regulations regarding client trust accounts. Assure and document supplementary review by the appropriate personnel.
• Supervise, direct and review the work of the accounting staff.
• Assist with the preparation of Personal Property tax returns.
• Review and assure completeness and sufficiency of supporting documentation for vendor payables. Assist in designing, implementing, and supporting procedures that will ensure compliance.
• Prepare and conduct annual reviews for assigned employees providing honest and factual comments.
• Assist payroll department with reviews, taxes and audits.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred, but eligibility to sit for the CPA exam required if not licensed in CT or NY

Experience: At least 3 years’ general accounting experience

At least 2 years’ management experience.

At least 3 years’ experience in law firm, or other professional service organization.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices in internal controls.
• A solid understanding of basic accounting principles and their application in daily work tasks.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of accounting software programs. Experience using Aderant and PowerBI would be helpful but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office with emphasis on Advanced Excel skills (functions and pivot tables) required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Independent worker with ability to conduct research, data analysis and resolve complex problems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask and organize workflow as well as a willingness to take the initiative to use these abilities to work collaboratively in meeting deadlines with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with the Firm directors, managers, and staff in the accomplishment of the Accounting Department’s objectives.
• Maturity, professionalism, and high level of discretion are required.
• Ability to work a full day.

Essential Physical/Mental Demands

Ability to sit for extended period of time.

The target base pay range for this role in New Haven is $115K-$150K and is dependent on experience and other relevant factors, including geography.