Assistant Controller

Thompson Coburn, a large full-service law firm with offices in eight (8) cities across the U.S., is in search of a full-time exempt Assistant Controller to join its St. Louis office. With over 450 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation and diversity, we collaborate and work in a welcoming, fast-paced, and inclusive environment.

Under the leadership of the Senior Director, Finance, this position will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the Firm, collaborating closely with Firm leadership and Business Office departments to provide accurate financial information and support strategic decision-making. The Assistant Controller will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, maintaining effective internal controls, supervising accounting staff, coordinating financial reporting activities, and supporting compliance with applicable accounting, tax, regulatory, and Firm requirements. After an initial period of training, this position is eligible for a hybrid-remote work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Assists in directing the daily operations of the accounting department, including Accounts Payable, Payroll, Financial Reporting, General Ledger, and related accounting functions.
• Oversees monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Reviews journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensures the integrity and accuracy of the Firm’s financial records and accounting systems.
• Assists in administering accounting operations for all legal entities within the Firm and ensures adherence to established accounting policies and procedures.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepares and reviews monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and related management reports.
• Assists in the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans.
• Performs variance analyses and develops financial metrics, benchmarks, and other management reporting tools.
• Supports Firm leadership by providing financial analyses and recommendations to aid strategic and operational decision-making.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintains and monitors internal controls designed to safeguard Firm assets and ensure compliance with Firm policies and procedures.
• Assists in maintaining a documented system of accounting policies, procedures, and financial controls.
• Ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax regulations, and governmental reporting requirements.
• Recommends corrective actions to address financial, compliance, operational, or control deficiencies.

Audit and Tax Support

• Coordinates annual financial statement audits and retirement plan audits.
• Serves as a primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial service providers.
• Assists with the preparation, review, and coordination of federal, state, and local tax filings.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement

• Assists in the administration, enhancement, and optimization of financial systems and reporting tools.
• Participates in financial system implementations, upgrades, integrations, and testing activities.
• Evaluates accounting processes and recommends improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Provides leadership, guidance, training, and development for accounting personnel.
• Promotes an environment of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and high-quality client service.
• Formally reviews and evaluates the performance and work of team members; prepares performance evaluations and recommends compensation adjustments.

Policies and Procedures

• Routinely reviews Business Office processes and procedures and updates documentation to accurately reflect current practices.
• Ensures accounting processes are documented, standardized, and consistently followed across the organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Researches and advises management regarding accounting pronouncements, tax regulations, industry trends, and emerging technologies that may impact the Firm.
• Supports the administration of the Firm’s employee benefit and retirement plans.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge through continuing education, professional organizations, training programs, and industry involvement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Thorough understanding of accounting operations, internal controls, financial statement preparation, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, including employee development, performance management, delegation, and accountability.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Experience working with ERP systems, accounting software, payroll applications, and relational databases.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, management, employees, and external advisors.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and present financial information effectively.
• Must possess strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, the ability to balance multiple projects, and strong time management skills.
• Ability to process routine daily functions while being able to resolve sensitive issues and complex assignments utilizing above-average critical thinking skills.

Experience and Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA License strongly preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible accounting experience required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of prior supervisory or management experience required.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close processes required.
• Experience coordinating audits and financial reporting activities required.
• Experience within a law firm, professional services firm, partnership environment, or similar professional organization strongly preferred.
• Experience with financial systems implementations, reporting tools, and business process improvements preferred.

Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full service, multi-state firm with offices in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust, and loyalty. Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues. In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance & ADD policies
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Profit Sharing plans
• Parking/Transportation Stipend
• Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums and medical reimbursement)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Annual Discretionary Bonus
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)
• Long Term Care

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V