Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Job Summary

A well-established sophisticated mid-sized full service law firm and long time client is seeking a Financial Controller to lead its core financial operations and reporting functions. This role serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership, overseeing accounting processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering actionable financial insights.

The position is responsible for managing day-to-day finance activities while driving process improvement initiatives and supporting long-term financial planning. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership capabilities, deep technical accounting knowledge, and experience working in a fast-paced, partnership-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the full spectrum of accounting functions, including general ledger maintenance, financial close processes, payables and receivables, payroll coordination, and cash flow oversight.
• Manage and review periodic financial statements, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with internal and external reporting standards.
• Oversee specialized financial processes such as client funds handling, expense allocation, and ongoing tracking of unbilled work in coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Ensure full compliance with financial regulations and ethical standards, particularly in areas involving fiduciary or restricted accounts.
• Evaluate financial performance trends and provide analysis to leadership to support business decision-making and operational strategy.
• Partner with external advisors on audit engagements and tax-related matters, ensuring all required documentation and deliverables are completed efficiently.
• Establish and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to safeguard organizational assets and mitigate risk.
• Support financial planning activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Monitor revenue cycles, including billing efficiency, collections activity, and overall cash realization performance.

Benefits & Tax Administration

• Coordinate audits and compliance activities related to employee benefit programs.
• Oversee preparation and submission of required filings and documentation for benefit plans and applicable tax obligations.
• Manage various tax reporting requirements, including periodic filings and partner-related documentation, ensuring adherence to deadlines.
• Work closely with external consultants to maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and reporting standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with billing and collections teams to enhance operational efficiency and improve revenue cycle outcomes.
• Analyze outstanding receivables and collaborate on strategies to improve collection timelines.
• Support system enhancements, reporting improvements, and workflow optimization initiatives across finance-related functions.

Leadership & Team Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance, training, and performance feedback to support team development.
• Assist in workforce planning, including hiring and onboarding of new team members.

Systems & Process Enhancement

• Oversee financial systems to ensure optimal performance and alignment with business needs.
• Participate in system upgrades, implementations, and integrations to improve efficiency and reporting capabilities.
• Design and enhance reporting tools and dashboards to support executive decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline required; professional certification (e.g., CPA) is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, including leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience working within a partnership-based or professional services financial structure is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting frameworks, general ledger processes, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel and experience with financial management systems is required.
• Familiarity with industry-specific accounting platforms is preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and communicate effectively with senior leadership.

Core Competencies

• Effective leadership and team development skills
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Professional discretion and commitment to confidentiality
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset

Additional Details

• Full-time position with a hybrid work schedule (in-office and remote flexibility)
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package