Controller

Controller — Law Firm | Long Island, NY

A Path to CFO, Not Just Another Controller Role

Are you a rising accounting leader ready to step out of the shadow of a larger department and actually run the show? A well-established, multi-office law firm on Long Island is looking for a Controller to own its accounting function — and, for the right person, to grow into the firm's next CFO.

This isn't a caretaker role. The firm wants someone who's going to modernize how the department runs, lead a coming systems upgrade, and become the go-to financial voice for firm leadership.

Why This Role

Real growth trajectory. This is explicitly a development seat — the firm is open to a strong #2 (Senior Accounting Manager) ready to step up, not just a seasoned Controller looking for a lateral move. Direct exposure to the CFO and leadership team, with a clear runway to the CFO seat over time.

Own the department, your way. Lead a 10+ person accounting team, with the latitude to evaluate current processes, tighten controls, and shape how the team operates going forward.

Modernize the tech stack. The firm is planning an upgraded system migration (from its current Rippe-based setup) down the road — not an immediate priority, but a project this person will help scope and eventually lead. If you're the type who gets energized by fixing outdated workflows and pushing automation, this is your project.

Long Island culture, not NYC grind. Collaborative, non-cutthroat environment with standard hours, limited weekend work, and a firm that values reliability over face-time.

Law firm pedigree preferred, not gatekept. Professional services accounting experience (law firm strongly preferred) matters more than a specific title history.

What You'll Own

Full ownership of monthly close and financial reporting — topline numbers to leadership on Day 1, full financials within ~5 days

Firm's billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and bank compliance processes

Legal management system (LMS) data integrity, file management, and conflicts workflow — with an eye toward the eventual system upgrade

Partnership tax return review, partner capital account reconciliation, and year-end audit coordination with outside accounting firm

Annual budgeting, reforecasting, and profitability/trend analysis for firm leadership

Development and enforcement of internal controls, policies, and procedures

Direct management of a 10+ person team, including 3–4 direct reports — coaching tenured staff and newer team members alike

Firm's insurance policy management

What You Bring

7+ years of accounting experience, ideally in a law firm or professional services environment

Advanced Excel skills — VLOOKUPs, SUMIFS, pivot tables, financial modeling

A track record of being hands-on without losing sight of the bigger picture

Comfort managing a mix of personalities and tenure levels on a team

Tech-forward mindset — someone who sees a legacy system and thinks "how do we fix this," not someone who avoids change

Ambition. This firm wants someone who wants the CFO seat, not someone content to stay in place

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred but not required

The Details

Location: Uniondale, NY — full-time, on-site

Compensation: $200,000–$225,000 base + 10% discretionary bonus

Benefits: Healthcare, PTO, 401(k) with employer match

Schedule: Standard business hours (~8:30–5:30), limited weekend responsiveness expected

Process: Moving quickly — first round is video with the CFO, second round in-person with firm leadership

This firm believes in growing talent from within. If you're an ambitious, detail-oriented finance leader looking for the room to build something and the runway to grow into it, this is worth a conversation.