Accounting Director

Accounting Director

Vogel Law Firm // Fargo, ND // Full-Time, On-site

Lead the financial engine of one of the region's longest-standing law firms.

Vogel Law Firm is seeking an experienced Accounting Director to lead our accounting function across all offices. Reporting to the President, you will own the accuracy and timeliness of the Firm's financial reporting and oversee the day-to-day accounting operations that keep the Firm running.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a trusted financial professional ready to join an established department with an experienced team and to build on that strong foundation as you settle into the role.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will both run and oversee the Firm's accounting operations:

• Manage the general ledger and prepare financial statements and management reporting in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
• Oversee core accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable, cash receipts, and bank reconciliations.
• Lead annual budgeting and financial planning, providing strategic recommendations to Firm leadership.
• Manage all aspects of payroll execution, including processing, withholding, funding, and reconciliation, in coordination with Human Resources and outside payroll and benefit providers.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies and internal controls that safeguard Firm and client assets, including client trust/IOLTA funds.
• Administer client trust funds and ensure compliance with North Dakota and Minnesota lawyer trust-account rules, alongside the Firm's responsible attorneys.
• Manage cash flow and serve as primary liaison to external auditors and tax advisors on audit, tax, and retirement-plan matters.
• Supervise, collaborate with, and develop the accounting team.
• Serve on the administrative leadership team, reporting on and advising firm strategy on financial position, profitability, and long-range planning.

How You'll Work

• Trustworthy and discreet: You handle sensitive financial and client information with the utmost confidentiality and integrity.
• Highly organized: You manage competing priorities, deadlines, and close cycles without losing accuracy or attention to detail.
• Responsive: You respond promptly to leadership, staff, auditors, and outside service providers, and follow through to resolution.
• Collaborative: You partner effectively with attorneys, staff, firm administration, and outside advisors.

Schedule & Work Location

This is a full-time, on-site position based in our Fargo office.

The position generally follows regular office hours Monday through Friday. Occasional extended hours may be needed to meet workload demands. The Firm also offers reduced summer hours, including reduced Friday hours.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field
• A minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible accounting-management experience
• Working knowledge of general ledger, accounts payable, invoice generation, and payroll in a computerized, high-volume accounting environment
• Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and audit management
• Proven ability to set policy, lead a department, and advise senior leadership
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
• Impeccable integrity and the ability to safeguard confidential client and Firm information

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior accounting or finance leadership experience in a professional services firm, such as a law, accounting, consulting, engineering, or architecture firm
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license; a Master's degree or MBA
• Familiarity with law-firm financial metrics (realization, work-in-process, profitability) and client trust/IOLTA compliance
• Experience with Orion or a comparable accounting or legal practice-management system

Physical Requirements

This role requires prolonged sitting, computer use, occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.), and clear communication in person, by phone, and in writing. Reasonable accommodation will be provided.

Working for Vogel Law Firm

Vogel Law Firm is committed to excellence and integrity in a respectful, cooperative environment.

Our benefits go beyond the basics, with some being fully or partially employer-paid, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings, flexible spending, and dependent care account options
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Retirement plans (401k and profit-sharing plan)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off (PTO), summer hours, and paid holidays, plus one (1) floating holiday

Application Process
To apply, please submit your resume. Resumes will be reviewed and accepted through Thursday, November 5.

The hiring process may include resume review, application and assessment submission, phone screen, in-person interview, and background check.

Interviews are anticipated to take place November 10, 12, and 13.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every preferred qualification.

hrvogel@vogellaw.com