Director of Finance

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Company: The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A.

Location: Miami (Brickell), Florida

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department: Finance & Accounting

Position Level: Senior Management

Reports To: Firm Leadership / Managing Shareholders

About The Ferraro Law Firm

The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A. is a nationally recognized plaintiff-side litigation firm specializing in catastrophic personal injury, asbestos litigation, mesothelioma, and mass torts. Our firm is committed to delivering exceptional legal representation while maintaining operational excellence, financial accountability, and sustainable growth.

We are seeking a highly analytical, strategic, and results-driven Director of Finance to oversee the firm's financial operations, strengthen financial controls, optimize cash flow, and provide executive leadership with the financial insights necessary to drive informed business decisions.

This position requires a hands-on financial leader who can balance high-level financial strategy with day-to-day accounting oversight in a fast-paced, high-volume litigation environment.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance will be responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting functions of the firm, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial analysis, banking relationships, and internal controls.

This individual will play a critical role in monitoring the firm's financial performance, identifying opportunities to improve profitability, managing financial risk, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information.

The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting foundation, exceptional analytical capabilities, proven leadership experience, and the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations for firm leadership.

Experience managing finances within a law firm, particularly one operating on a contingency-fee basis, is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Strategy & Executive Leadership

• Develop and execute financial strategies that support the firm's short-term operational objectives and long-term growth initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic financial advisor to managing shareholders and executive leadership.
• Provide comprehensive financial analysis and recommendations regarding profitability, expenditures, investments, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate financial performance across departments and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenses.
• Develop financial models to support strategic planning, hiring decisions, expansion initiatives, and capital investments.
• Establish financial performance benchmarks and monitor progress against organizational objectives.
• Present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to firm leadership, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.

2. Financial Reporting & Accounting Oversight

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable tax requirements, and established accounting policies.
• Review financial transactions, journal entries, and account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee the maintenance of financial records and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with external accountants, tax advisors, auditors, and financial institutions.
• Implement standardized financial reporting procedures and strengthen internal accounting controls.

3. Cash Flow Management & Financial Planning

• Develop and maintain short-term and long-term cash flow forecasts to ensure adequate liquidity for firm operations.
• Monitor cash balances, projected settlement revenues, operating expenses, and anticipated financial obligations.
• Evaluate fluctuations in revenue associated with contingency-fee litigation and develop strategies to maintain financial stability.
• Oversee banking relationships, credit facilities, financing arrangements, and cash management practices.
• Identify potential cash flow constraints and proactively recommend corrective measures.
• Analyze cash requirements associated with litigation expenses, case development, and other operational investments.
• Develop financial forecasting models that account for settlement timing, case expenses, and projected fee collections.

4. Budgeting, Forecasting & Profitability Analysis

• Lead the development and administration of the firm's annual operating budget.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial forecasts based on actual performance and anticipated business activity.
• Monitor departmental budgets and identify unfavorable variances.
• Analyze revenue, expenses, and profitability by practice area, department, and other relevant business segments.
• Evaluate staffing costs, vendor expenses, marketing expenditures, and operational overhead.
• Collaborate with department leaders to establish realistic budgets and improve financial accountability.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality or operational effectiveness.
• Develop financial dashboards and key performance indicators to measure financial health and organizational efficiency.

5. Law Firm Financial Operations & Settlement Accounting

• Oversee financial processes associated with client settlements, attorney fees, litigation costs, and disbursements.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reconciliation of advanced case costs and reimbursable litigation expenses.
• Establish financial controls governing settlement proceeds, client trust accounts, and operating accounts.
• Monitor outstanding settlement receivables, pending disbursements, and unresolved financial transactions.
• Collaborate with the Settlements, Claims, and Accounting departments to improve financial workflows and minimize payment delays.
• Ensure proper segregation of client funds and compliance with applicable Florida Bar trust accounting requirements.
• Review financial processes related to settlement distributions, lien payments, probate-related disbursements, and uncashed checks.
• Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and transparency of settlement-related financial reporting.

6. Internal Controls, Risk Management & Compliance

• Establish, implement, and monitor financial policies, procedures, and internal controls designed to safeguard firm assets.
• Oversee internal financial audits and ensure timely resolution of identified discrepancies.
• Maintain appropriate controls over bank accounts, payment authorizations, wire transfers, and financial transactions.
• Ensure proper separation of duties and approval protocols within the accounting department.
• Monitor financial compliance with applicable federal, state, and professional regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate financial risks and recommend measures to reduce exposure.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive financial, employee, and client information.
• Coordinate with external legal, tax, and accounting professionals on financial compliance matters.

7. Financial Systems, Technology & Process Improvement

• Evaluate existing accounting systems, reporting tools, and financial workflows to identify areas for improvement.
• Lead initiatives to automate manual accounting processes and improve reporting accuracy.
• Oversee the integration and effective use of financial management systems and related software.
• Develop standardized procedures for reconciliations, reporting, expense management, and financial approvals.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to improve financial data integrity and system efficiency.
• Implement scalable financial processes capable of supporting continued firm growth.

8. Team Leadership & Department Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to the Accounting and Finance team.
• Establish clear departmental objectives, individual performance expectations, and measurable productivity standards.
• Supervise accounting personnel responsible for reconciliations, payment processing, reporting, and financial recordkeeping.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and professional development.
• Monitor departmental workload, deadlines, and overall productivity.
• Ensure accounting personnel adhere to established financial procedures and internal controls.
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Human Resources regarding staffing needs, employee development, and performance management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, or financial management.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience overseeing accounting or finance operations.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience managing cash flow, financial planning, and complex financial operations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis.
• Experience with QuickBooks or comparable accounting and financial management software.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict reporting deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to executive leadership.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration (MBA).
• Prior experience as a Director of Finance, Controller, or senior financial leader.
• Experience working in a law firm, professional services organization, or other complex financial environment.
• Knowledge of contingency-fee litigation accounting and settlement-related financial processes.
• Familiarity with Florida Bar trust accounting requirements and client fund management.
• Experience managing multiple bank accounts, litigation cost advances, and settlement-related transactions.
• Experience developing financial dashboards and executive-level financial reporting.
• Familiarity with legal practice management software, including Litify, is a plus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Director of Finance will be evaluated on measurable financial and operational outcomes, including:

Financial Performance

• Accuracy and timeliness of monthly financial reporting.
• Budget-to-actual performance and expense management.
• Cash flow forecasting accuracy and liquidity management.
• Identification and implementation of cost-saving initiatives.
• Improvement in financial visibility and profitability reporting.

Accounting Operations

• Timely completion of bank reconciliations and financial close processes.
• Accuracy of trust account and operating account reconciliations.
• Reduction in accounting discrepancies and unresolved financial transactions.
• Compliance with financial controls and reporting requirements.

Operational Efficiency

• Improvements in accounting workflows and processing times.
• Reduction in settlement-related payment delays attributable to accounting processes.
• Successful implementation of financial process improvements and automation.
• Departmental productivity and achievement of established performance standards.

Leadership & Accountability

• Development and performance of accounting personnel.
• Timely identification and resolution of financial risks.
• Effective communication of financial results and recommendations to leadership.
• Consistent achievement of departmental objectives and reporting deadlines.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a proactive, detail-oriented, and commercially minded financial executive who takes ownership of the firm's financial performance.

We are seeking someone who:

• Thinks strategically but is willing to work directly with financial data and accounting operations.
• Takes initiative to identify financial risks and operational inefficiencies before they become larger problems.
• Understands the importance of cash flow management in a contingency-fee litigation environment.
• Uses financial data to drive business decisions rather than simply reporting historical results.
• Holds team members accountable for accuracy, productivity, and performance.
• Can communicate complex financial matters clearly and confidently to firm leadership.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation professional environment.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to make informed financial recommendations.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership opportunity within an established plaintiff-side litigation firm.
• Direct involvement in financial strategy and executive-level decision-making.
• The opportunity to lead financial process improvements and contribute to organizational growth.
• A collaborative and performance-driven professional environment.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive employee benefits, subject to applicable plan terms.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a professional workplace that values qualifications, performance, integrity, and equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.