Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (Miami)

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is a premier insurance defense trial law firm with a presence spanning Florida, New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas. We are nationally recognized for our work in insurance defense, admiralty and maritime law, transportation and trucking, personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice defense, construction, subrogation, and products liability litigation.

Our firm holds an AV® Preeminent rating – the highest peer‑review distinction from Martindale‑Hubbell – and is consistently ranked among the most diverse law firms in South Florida. Our attorneys are known for delivering swift, lucrative results, backed by a 24/7 emergency action response team serving clients in domestic and international jurisdictions.

No Agency Submissions Accepted

General Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the firm's senior financial executive and strategic business partner to the Managing Partners and Executive Committee. This role oversees the full financial ecosystem of the firm, including accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, billing, collections, profitability analysis, banking relationships, and financial systems. The CFO will lead the Finance Department, strengthen financial infrastructure, drive performance improvement, and support the firm's continued growth. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of ten years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably within the legal services industry.

Relocation: Please note that the Firm does not provide relocation assistance for this position. Applicants are expected to reside within a commutable distance or be prepared to independently relocate at their own expense.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Advises the Executive Team on financial strategy, long‑range planning, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Develops and implements financial strategies that support firm growth, margin improvement, and sustainable performance.
• Provides financial insight into market entry, practice expansion, lateral hiring, and potential mergers or strategic partnerships.
• Directs all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger management, payroll imports, budgeting, billing, accounts payable and receivable, trust accounting, and month‑end close.
• Ensures timely and accurate posting of financial transactions, firm receipts, firm and client costs processing, client/vendor refunds and bank reconciliations.
• Manages banking relationships, line of credit renewals, cash flow planning, wire activity, account transfers, and positive pay controls.
• Leads annual budget development, forecasting, and multiyear financial modeling.
• Provides financial analysis to leadership supporting partner compensation decisions.
• Produces monthly and quarterly financial reports, including revenue dashboards, expense analyses, Work‑in‑Progress (WIP), Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Provides financial insight and decision support to the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Leadership Team to guide firm strategy, investment decisions, and operational planning.
• Conducts ad hoc analyses such as practice profitability, client level metrics, partner performance, and labor cost review.
• Collaborates with software programmers and internal stakeholders to develop advanced profitability and performance reporting tools.
• Oversees Finance Department staffing, performance, and professional development.
• Ensures alignment with firm goals, operational standards, and service expectations.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP, internal controls, regulatory reporting requirements, and industry specific financial standards.
• Oversees 1099 reporting, audit preparation, vendor contracts and payment controls, and financial risk mitigation activities.

Essential Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Strategic financial acumen with the ability to guide executive level decision making.
• Strong command of accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Advanced analytical skills and the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Proficiency in financial reporting, KPI development, and performance measurement.
• Effective leadership and team development capabilities.
• Strong cross‑departmental collaboration and operational coordination skills.
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, compliance requirements, and audit processes.
• Clear and professional communication skills for diverse audiences.
• High integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and a continuous improvement mindset.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA and/or CPA) preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally in legal services or professional multi‑location organizations.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial modeling, and operational leadership.
• Strong understanding of legal industry financial practices (preferred but not required).
• Experience managing cross‑border financial operations and compliance.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to organizational values.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

What We Offer

• Competitive annual compensation package with bonus potential.
• Flexible working environment: career and work‑life balance supported.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Packages: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA Medical & FSA Dependent Care, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, EAP, and supplementary voluntary health plans.
• Biometric Wellness Screenings.
• Commuter Reimbursement Program (parking, train, bus, etc.).
• Unlimited PTO.
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous Firm match.
• Opportunities for creative freedom and idea exchange in an innovative workspace.

Our Culture – Collaborate with a Dynamic Legal Team

At Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, we cultivate talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We offer a vibrant, inclusive culture where professional growth is celebrated, and success thrives through innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Your voice will be heard, your contributions valued, and your potential realized.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind—for any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40+), disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, religion, and other protected needs and protect confidentiality and non‑retaliation for individuals who raise discrimination concerns or participate in investigations.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work performed by the employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and/or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. For this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at‑will nature of employment.