Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
CPA designation strongly preferred.
7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
3+ years of leadership experience overseeing accounting teams.
Experience within a law firm or legal industry strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
Direct and manage all accounting operations, including general ledger and payroll.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
Monitor firm profitability and key performance indicators.
Develop and maintain financial forecasts and budgets.
Oversee attorney trust accounts and ensure compliance with regulations.
Supervise billing, collections, and revenue recognition processes.
Partner with firm leadership for long-term financial planning.
Benefits
Direct collaboration with executive leadership.
Annual performance bonuses based on results.
Hybrid work environment with flexible hours.
Comprehensive medical insurance with free mental health services.
401k after one year of employment.
Full Job Description
Controller
National Insurance Defense Law Firm
The Opportunity:
We are a national, multi-state insurance defense litigation firm with approximately 300 employees seeking a Controller! The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting operations of the law firm, ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and the effective management of financial resources. This role provides strategic financial guidance to firm leadership and manages accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, trust accounting, budgeting, payroll, and financial analysis. CPA's are preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
Direct and manage all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
Monitor firm profitability, attorney productivity, realization rates, and other key performance indicators.
Develop and maintain financial forecasts, budgets, and cash flow projections.
Analyze financial results and provide recommendations to improve financial performance.
Trust Accounting & Compliance
Oversee attorney trust accounts (IOLTA and client trust accounts) and ensure compliance with state bar regulations.
Maintain internal controls to safeguard firm assets and client funds.
Ensure adherence to accounting standards, tax regulations, and legal industry requirements.
Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
Billing & Revenue Management
Supervise billing, collections, and revenue recognition processes.
Work closely with partners and practice groups to improve billing efficiency and collection cycles.
Monitor accounts receivable aging and implement collection strategies.
Ensure accurate matter setup, billing rates, and expense allocation.
Strategic Planning
Partner with firm leadership to support long-term financial planning and growth initiatives.
Evaluate investment opportunities, financing alternatives, and capital expenditures.
Provide financial analysis for mergers, acquisitions, office expansions, and other strategic initiatives.
Develop policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
Leadership & Team Management
Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance staff.
Establish departmental goals and performance metrics.
Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with attorneys, administrators, and external service providers.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
CPA designation strongly preferred.
MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
Experience
7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
3+ years of leadership experience overseeing accounting teams.
Experience within a law firm, professional services firm, or legal industry strongly preferred.
Knowledge of law firm accounting systems, billing platforms, and trust accounting requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
Extensive knowledge of law firm financial operations, including trust accounting and legal billing.
Advanced proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Preferred Systems Experience
Legal practice management software (e.g., Clio, ProLaw, Aderant, Elite 3E)
Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, QuickBooks, or comparable accounting systems
Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
Occasional lifting of files and office materials up to 20 pounds.
Success Metrics
Accurate and timely financial reporting.
Compliance with trust accounting and regulatory requirements.
Improved collection rates and reduction in aged receivables.
Effective budget management and cash flow optimization.
Strong internal controls and successful audit outcomes.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Strategic, business-oriented finance leader with strong executive presence
Comfortable advising and influencing firm owners and senior partners
Able to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders
Hands-on, collaborative, and solutions-focused leadership style
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
What We Offer:
Direct collaboration and strategic partnership with executive leadership
Salary range depending on depth and years of experience
Annual performance bonuses based on organizational and individual results
Annual reviews with potential for significant salary growth
Hybrid work environment
Flexible work hours
Medical Insurance - Currently provided by Cigna Healthcare with multiple plans to choose from; partially paid for by the company; all outpatient mental health services are free of charge with no copays
Optional Dental & Vision Insurance
Optional Voluntary Life and Disability Insurance
Optional Voluntary Accident Insurance
Optional Critical Illness Insurance
Optional Cancer Insurance
Optional Hospitalization Insurance
Optional Health Savings Account
Optional Flexible Spending Account
401k after one calendar year of employment
Paid time off (PTO) to support your overall well-being
Supportive and collaborative work environment
To learn more about Lydecker LLP, please visit our website at www.Lydecker.com or visit LinkedIn #LydeckerCareers #LydeckerLife #LydeckerAuthenticDiversity
Lydecker LLP is not currently accepting resumes or inquiries from outside recruiters or agencies. ##
