Controller

Controller

Location: Any of our three offices (Dublin/Lancaster/St. Clairsville)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt (Salary)

Are you a detail-oriented, strategic finance professional who also enjoys leading cross-functional projects from concept to completion? We are seeking a Controller to oversee the firm’s financial management while coordinating key projects that support the overall vision and mission of Jarvis Law Office, PC. This role blends hands-on accounting, reporting, and controls with project planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination, making it ideal for a proactive leader who can balance big-picture thinking with daily operational responsibilities.

The Controller has responsibilities for all finance operations at the firm, including but not limited to general accounting, accounts receivable, cash forecasting and management, tax reporting, financial planning, budgeting and reporting, and ad hoc finance-based and other strategic business projects. Compliance with relevant legal and financial regulations is also within the scope of responsibilities. The Controller should have the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to the owners and members of firm management.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Controller Duties -

1. Support the vision and mission of Jarvis Law Office, PC.
2. Oversee the general ledger, ensuring accurate and timely recording of financial transactions.
3. Prepares and reviews monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow.
4. Direct the activities of the third-party bookkeeper and any other vendors providing financial services.
5. Manage month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis
6. Coordinate and support external audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting as needed.
7. Monitor cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting activities; provide analysis and recommendations to leadership.
8. Review and approve accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies.
9. Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making and business planning.
10. Oversee company-wide expense management to ensure adherence to approved budgets and overall financial goals.
11. Provide first-level review, data gathering, and analysis as needed for strategic and operational planning and review activities as needed.
12. Supports the creation and maintenance of a cash flow forecast, closely working with the owner to monitor and address any forecasted shortfalls.
13. Reviews with the CEO/COO and/or Fractional CFO financial statements and key financial reports, prepares budgets, and advises the CFO and CEO/COO regarding problems and proposed solutions.
14. Prepares all needed analysis to explain variances and recommend corrective actions.
15. Owns the research and timely remediation of all variances identified in trust and bank reconciliations. Requires that any other key balance sheet reconciliations are performed (for example, of payroll liability accounts) and owns the research and resolution of all variances identified.
16. Ensures trust reconciliation is a true three-way trust reconciliation and addresses any compliance issues related to the trust account with the appropriate sense of urgency.
17. Owns the Accounts Receivable process and is responsible for monitoring the execution of protocols to collect all monies owed to the firm.
18. Risk Management and Financial Controls.
    1. Assists with planning and implementing changes in the accounting system.
    2. Provides suggestions to the Owner for further financial controls to streamline and protect the integrity of the financials of the law firm.
    3. Identifies and proposes solutions to perceived risks.
19. Acts as the backup for the semi-monthly payroll processing.

Business Analysis

1. Leads, plans, and executes assigned projects from initiation through completion, ensuring deliverables are met on time, within scope, and within budget while maintaining agreed quality standards.
2. Regularly evaluates operations and processes, recommending and scoping new projects that address identified gaps, risks, or improvement opportunities, and providing guidance on timing, impact, and resource requirements.
3. Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives from initiation through completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
4. Coordinate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and partners to ensure clear communication and accountability.
5. Partner with leadership to evaluate business cases, capital investments, and cost-saving initiatives.
6. Support the development and monitoring of KPIs and performance metrics for financial and business outcomes.
7. Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and workflows across the entire organization
8. Responsible for reviewing company contracts to ensure that they align with organizational objectives and compliance guidelines.
9. Any additional duties as needed.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or equivalent preferred
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment
• Strong knowledge of trust accounting rules and legal billing systems
• Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
• Prior experience with MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.