Financial Controller

Role SummaryThe Controller is responsible for the firms financial integrity, accuracy, and control environment. This role owns the accounting function end-to-end, including monthly close, payroll oversight, trust account compliance, spend governance, and financial reporting.While legal teams manage settlements operationally, the Controller retains financial accountability for trust compliance, reconciliations, and the accuracy of funds flowing between systems.This is a hands-on, senior accounting rolenot a bookkeeper and not a CFO. The Controller ensures the firms financial systems are accurate, auditable, and decision-ready.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Close & ReportingOwn and execute the monthly close process, including:Journal entries, accruals, and adjustmentsReview and Approve all bank, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliationsPrepare and deliver timely, accurate:Profit & Loss statementsBalance SheetsCash Flow reportsMaintain a clean, well-structured QuickBooks environment that supports pod/team and practice-area reportingEnsure financials are CPA-ready at all timesPayroll & Compensation OversightProvide final review and approval of payroll Oversee payroll accuracy for:Salaried and hourly employeesContractorsBonuses and incentivesEnsure proper classifications, accruals, and deductionsPartner with HR and Operations to ensure payroll changes are accurately reflected and controlledSpend Management & Accounts PayableOwn financial governance of Ramp, including:Spend policiesCard limitsCoding accuracyReview and approve accounts payable batchesEstablish and enforce approval matrices and segregation of dutiesMonitor firm-wide spending trends and flag exceptionsTrust Accounting & ComplianceMaintain oversight of all trust/IOLTA accountsEnsure:Proper segregation of client and firm fundsReview and approve trust reconciliationsStandardize financial reporting from legal teams related to settlementsMaintain audit-ready documentation for state bar and external reviewsNote: This role does not process settlements or negotiate liens but is financially accountable for trust compliance and reporting.Case Cost & System Reconciliation (Clio Interface)Ensure Matter's financial data reconciles accurately to QuickBooksValidate case cost tracking and cost recovery treatmentSupport leadership with:Pod-level expense visibilityTrend analysis and financial insightsLOC ReconciliationProduce weekly cost advanced position reportingMonitor contingent cases costs:Reconcile costs advanced (Monthly)Record costs that have been written offMonitor LOC position and reporting requirementsIdentify and escalate LOC risks proactivelyCash Flow & ForecastingProduce weekly cash position reportingMonitor liquidity related to:Payroll cyclesAP runsBonus timingIdentify and escalate cash flow risks proactivelyControls, Process & Risk ManagementDesign, document, and maintain SOPs for:PayrollAPMonth-end closeTrust account oversightStrengthen internal controls and reduce single-point-of-failure riskEnsure consistency, accuracy, and accountability across financial processesLeadership & External RelationshipsServe as primary liaison with:External CPA and tax firmBanking partnersBookkeeping partnerManage or oversee bookkeeping, AP, or accounting support resources (internal or outsourced)Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for firm leadershipWhat This Role Does Not IncludeSettlement processing or lien negotiationDaily legal case administrationOffice management or HR administrationCFO-level capital strategy or fundraisingQualificationsRequired7+ years of progressive accounting experiencePrior Controller or senior accounting role, preferably in a law firm or professional services environmentStrong knowledge of:Trust/IOLTA accountingInternal controlsHands-on experience with:QuickBooksPayroll systems Spend management tools (Ramp or similar)Proven ability to manage complex workflows with accuracy and discretionPreferredExperience in personal injury or contingency-fee law firmsWhat We OfferStrong family-first cultureCompetitive benefits includingPaid time offEmployee covered medical/vision/dental insurance recblid ykb3b6fmx4x0y49egpai8fa718dw7w

Created: 2026-03-05