Controller/CFO

Controller/CFO Opportunity

A law practice with nearly 50 years' experience representing a variety of clients in the northeast beltway and beyond is seeking to hire a Controller/CFO to lead their accounting department. 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:

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.