Controller

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About the Firm

We are a premier, internationally recognized law firm specializing in high-stakes contingency litigation. We offer a collaborative environment where financial insight directly supports groundbreaking trial work and firm growth.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead our financial operations, manage multi-entity accounting, and oversee complex litigation portfolio finances.

Because contingency practice involves delayed revenue recognition, heavy case-cost capitalization, co-counsel fee split arrangements, and court fee applications, the ideal candidate must possess strong financial acumen alongside strategic foresight. You will partner closely with executive management and external partners to maintain strict compliance, optimize cash flow, and drive operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Core Accounting & Financial Operations

• Maintain the general ledger (G/L) and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for multiple business entities.
• Oversee all Accounts Payable (A/P) and Accounts Receivable (A/R) functions.
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and manage statutory accounts (FSA, 401k, benefits).
• Manage primary banking relationships and litigation fund accounts.
• Track, analyze, and report on advanced case costs, working capital usage, and portfolio trends.
• Coordinate quarterly reconciliations of shared case expenses and lodestar hours with co-counsel law firms.
• Assist partners with the preparation and verification of court-filed attorneys' fees and expense applications.
• Ensure strict IOLTA trust accounting compliance and meticulous recordkeeping.

Financial Planning, Analysis & Strategy

• Model short- and long-term cash flow, tax liabilities, and revenue distribution scenarios unique to contingency recoveries.
• Deliver historical trend analysis, dynamic forecasting, and ad-hoc financial reporting to support partner decision-making.
• Evaluate existing financial systems, driving process automation and workflow redesigns to increase operational efficiency.

Tax Compliance & Contract Management

• Prepare comprehensive schedules, statements, and workpapers for external CPA firms for tax preparation and advisory.
• Review and approve annual federal, state, and local tax returns across all entities.
• Conduct accounting research to advise firm leadership on tax strategies and business structure changes.
• Review, negotiate, and approve vendor and operational contracts.

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including direct supervisory management.
• Industry Expertise: Prior accounting experience within a law firm or professional services environment is highly preferred (experience with trust accounting/IOLTA and litigation cost tracking is a plus).
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (complex formulas and pivot tables) and hands‑on experience with QuickBooks Online.
• Problem‑Solving Ability: Strong process‑improvement mindset with a proven ability to redesign systems and research complex tax/accounting rules.
• Attention to Detail: Excellent precision in execution balanced with an ability to communicate high‑level insights to managing partners.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Generous PTO policy.
• Health insurance fully paid by Firm for employee
• Vision and Dental insurance available at reasonable rates
• LTD, Life, and AD&D insurance paid by Firm
• 401k plan with an employer contribution of 3% of salary after eligibility
• Unreimbursed Medical and Dependent Daycare FSA plans
• Centralized office location in Downtown St. Louis with convenient free parking

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