Controller/CFO (Bethesda)

Position Overview:

Bregman, Berbert, Schwartz & Gilday, LLC is seeking an experienced Controller/CFO to lead the firm's accounting and financial operations. This newly created leadership position reflects the firm's continued growth and commitment to strengthening its financial infrastructure.

The Controller/CFO will serve as the firm's senior financial leader, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, cash management, trust accounting, and financial analysis. The Controller/CFO will work closely with the Partners and Office Administrator/COO to provide meaningful financial insight, support strategic decision-making, and help position the firm for long-term success.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on financial professional who wants to move beyond transactional accounting and play a meaningful role in the management and growth of a successful law firm.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations of the firm.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to firm leadership.
• Prepare and distribute weekly cash position reports, including cash balances, collections activity, anticipated receipts, and significant upcoming expenditures.
• Develop financial dashboards and key performance indicators related to profitability, collections, realization, cash flow, and overall firm performance.
• Monitor the firm's financial position and liquidity, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Develop financial forecasts, reporting tools, and performance metrics to support firm leadership.
• Provide analysis and recommendations related to profitability, staffing, compensation, and strategic investments.
• Partner with the Partners and Office Administrator/COO to evaluate financial trends, business opportunities, and operational initiatives.
• Help establish and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes as the firm continues to grow.

Accounting Department Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Department.
• Oversee billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and related functions.
• Improve processes, workflows, and internal controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the department.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee trust/IOLTA accounting and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with tax, audit, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, banking partners, and other advisors.
• Maintain strong financial controls and accounting policies.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Optimize accounting and financial systems.
• Ensure data integrity across accounting, billing, and reporting platforms.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Leverage emerging technologies and AI-powered tools to enhance accounting operations, financial analysis, and reporting.

Reporting Structure:

The Controller/CFO serves as the firm's senior financial leader and oversees the Accounting Department.

The Controller/CFO:

• Reports directly to the Partners regarding financial performance, reporting, forecasting, and strategic financial matters.
• Works closely with the Office Administrator/COO on staffing, operational initiatives, technology investments, and firm-wide planning.
• Provides leadership and direction to the Accounting Department.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and accounting operations.
• Experience leading and developing accounting teams.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• CPA designation.
• Experience with legal accounting software such as Orion, Aderant, Elite, Tabs3, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of trust accounting and law firm financial operations.
• Experience implementing process improvements and financial reporting tools.

Why This Opportunity?

This is a high-impact leadership role with direct visibility to firm leadership. The Controller/CFO will play a key role in shaping the firm's financial strategy, strengthening reporting and processes, developing the accounting team, and helping build the financial foundation needed to support future growth.

For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to become a trusted advisor to leadership and make a meaningful impact on the future of a respected and growing law firm.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $160,000 – $185,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus
• Participation in the firm's executive leave program, which provides flexible paid time off rather than a traditional accrued PTO bank
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive leadership environment