Global Controller (Charleston)

Job DescriptionAt K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.The Global Controller leads the firm’s worldwide accounting operations and is responsible for the strategic direction, management, and oversight of all accounting, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, accounts payables, collections, and financial controls. This role ensures the integrity of the firm's financial results, compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and the effectiveness of internal controls across more than 40 offices globally.Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Global Controller serves as a key business partner to firm leadership, providing financial insight, driving operational excellence, and leading a geographically dispersed team of accounting professionals. The Global Controller is responsible for developing and implementing accounting policies, optimizing financial processes and systems, supporting strategic initiatives, and fostering a high-performing accounting organization.The Global Controller also works with lawyers, department heads, outside consultants and other parties.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDirect and oversee the accounting function, including general ledger management, accounts payable, collections/accounts receivable, payroll, treasury/cash management, and financial reporting across more than 40 offices globallyOversee the preparation and analysis of accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows, ensuring compliance with local statutory and other financial reporting standards in various jurisdictions as well as modified cash basis at the firmwideMaintain and ensure the accuracy of accounting recordsEstablish, implement, and monitor internal controls and risk management frameworks; conduct periodic assessments and maintain comprehensive control documentationLead international financial compliance initiatives, including regulatory filings in multiple jurisdictions and local statutory auditsManage the annual external audit process, serve as primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee audit remediation activitiesDevelop and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and best practices across the firm; drive continuous process improvements and system optimizationLead a team of more than 40 accounting professionals, including staff in multiple countries; provide mentorship, performance management, and career development, including evaluations and salary recommendationsPartner with CFO, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, and others on financial planning, financial analysis, and forecasting; provide insights on financial performance and business driversDrive technology modernization, including financial reporting, billing and collections system enhancements, data analytics capabilities, and accounting automation initiativesLead and/or participate in discussions with partners, office managers, and department heads/managersEvaluate accounting-related activities; respond to day-to-day concerns; resolve existing or anticipated problems; research and respond to non-recurring questions; prepare appropriate reports; and help ensure the firm adheres to all requirements relating to accounting and financial reportingEnsure the accounting department coordinates with and provides support regarding financial matters to other organizations in the firm, including, but not limited to, the firm’s benefits department, human resources, technology, and marketing & business developmentEnsure all accounts, including trust accounts, are properly reconciled and managed with strict internal controlsEnsure professional development and career guidance are available to direct reports and their teams.Complete special projects as neededRequired Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required (or equivalent professional qualification)10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a controller or senior equivalent role; at least 5 years of experience as a manager with responsibilities for leading and supervising accounting and finance personnelExperience in professional services, law firm, or other partnership environment desiredDemonstrated experience managing complex, multi-entity, multi-currency accounting operations in a global or international environmentStrong technical knowledge of GAAP and multi-jurisdictional financial compliance, internal controls, and external audit processesProficiency with enterprise Accounting and Billing & Collections systems (3E or Aderant). Other system knowledge a plus (Oracle, SAP, or similar)Proven leadership capabilities, including experience building, developing, and managing high-performing accounting teamsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiencesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracyCompetencies & AttributesStrategic Mindset: Ability to align accounting operations with firm strategy and business objectivesLeadership Excellence: Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and drive accountability across teamsChange Management: Comfort driving process improvements, system implementations, and organizational changeAdaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing prioritiesIntegrity & Compliance Mindset: Unwavering commitment to accuracy, transparency, and ethical practicesStakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills with board, senior leadership, and external partnersAccustomed to working as a team leader and memberPossess excellent interpersonal, supervisory and management accomplishmentsDemonstrate outstanding skills in accounting, reporting, internal control, budgeting, and computerized accounting systemsDemonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills; and demonstrated ability to meet obligations with confidentiality, integrity, and sensitivityWorking ConditionsTypical professional office environmentAny information contained on this form represents the usual method of accomplishing the duties assigned to this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in appropriate circumstances which may vary depending on the needs of an individual with a disability, it is impossible to describe in advance specific accommodations that will be considered.Note: Nothing in this job description restricts the firm’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Information provided represents the usual method of accomplishing the duties in this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in appropriate circumstances.Compensation Salary $200,946 - $401,888/yearThe compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.ABOUT THE FIRMK&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world. The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.For more information or to view other job opportunities, please click here to go back to our careers page.Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.Please be advised that this position requires successful completion of a background check. In accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act, and applicable law qualified California and Washington State applicants with criminal history records will be considered. A criminal history will not categorically exclude a candidate from employment, and the Firm will consider relevant factors before making employment decisions based on criminal history information.It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.BENEFITSK&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving conciergeDental InsuranceWellness ProgramVision InsurancePre-tax Commuting Benefits401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit SharingBusiness Travel Accident InsuranceShort- and Long-term Disability ProtectionPet InsuranceLife Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)Health Advocacy ServicesPaid Time Off (25-30 days per year)Ide