Controller

Frier Levitt, established in 2000, is a national boutique law firm focused exclusively on Healthcare and Life Sciences. The Firm draws on its experience representing stakeholders across the entire healthcare spectrum. In the Life Sciences, Frier Levitt has represented pharmacies of all kinds and assisted with regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters. On the Healthcare side, the Firm's clients have included large physician group practices, hospitals, hospital medical staff, ambulatory surgery centers, laboratory companies, as well as the complete panoply of ancillary service providers. Frier Levitt attorneys are licensed in numerous states. The Firm has offices in Pine Brook, New Jersey, and New York City.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on CONTROLLER to lead the accounting and financial operations of a growing, mid-sized law firm of approximately 50–60 attorneys. This role requires a balance of strategic oversight and day-to-day execution, supporting firm leadership with accurate financial reporting, operational insights, and forward-looking analysis.

The ideal candidate has law firm accounting experience, though this is not an absolute requirement. Must leverage AI-driven tools and advanced Excel modeling to enhance reporting, forecasting, and decision-making. Reports directly to Firm Leadership/Partners.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee the full-cycle accounting function, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and legal billing operations
• Prepare and deliver timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including partner-level reporting
• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes with accuracy and timeliness
• Review general ledger activity, investigate variances, and ensure proper reconciliations across all accounts
• Ensure compliance with legal accounting standards, including trust accounting (IOLTA) and regulatory requirements

Billing & Collections

• Oversee and develop law firm billing and collections procedures using Centerbase, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integration with accounting systems
• Provide practice group and partner profitability analysis, revenue tracking, and expense management insights

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Partner with leadership on annual budgeting, financial planning, and strategic initiatives
• Build and maintain advanced Excel models for budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning
• Maintain and optimize QuickBooks for financial reporting and internal controls

AI, Technology & Process Improvement

• Leverage AI tools (Claude preferred) and automation to improve financial reporting, forecasting, data analysis, and dashboard creation; must be comfortable with AI prompting concepts
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability as the firm grows
• Collaborate with attorneys and business professionals across the firm to support operational and strategic goals

Team Management

• Manage the firm's bookkeeper (one direct report after 60–90 day ramp-up) and oversee the billing and collections function
• Work closely with the firm's CEO/CFO and firm management
• Perform additional duties as needed to support firm operations

Qualifications

Required

• Accounting degree (CPA not required)
• 5–7 years of accounting experience, including 2+ years managing or mentoring accounting staff
• Experience with business accounts in the $30M–$50M range
• Strong proficiency with QuickBooks
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modeling and data analysis
• Demonstrated experience using AI tools in a finance/accounting context (e.g., creating reports, pulling data, building dashboards); Claude experience preferred
• Deep understanding of financial operations, including billing and collections
• Highly detail-oriented and proficient with accounting technology and systems

Preferred

• Law firm or professional services accounting experience
• Experience with legal billing platforms (e.g., Centerbase)

Personal Attributes

• Comfortable managing a small team and working collaboratively across departments
• Proactive problem-solver who identifies opportunities for improvement

Benefits: Frier Levitt offers a hybrid schedule, competitive salary, and a full range of benefits, including PTO, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) (upon eligibility to participate), additional voluntary benefits, on-site gym, and opportunities for substantial salary progression based on performance and contributions.

The posted salary is a good faith prediction. Actual salary will depend on years of experience and other factors.

Frier Levitt is an equal opportunity employer. The firm actively seeks diversity among its employees. The firm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical handicap or disability, age, citizenship status, alienage, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.