POSITION SUMMARYReporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Financial Controller is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the Firm's controllership function. This includes general accounting, treasury, partner accounting and compensation administration, financial reporting and tax functions across our multi-office law firm environment.
The Controller ensures the integrity of the Firm's financial information, maintains a robust internal control framework, oversees the Firm's general accounting, treasury operations and banking relationships, and ensures compliance with applicable financial, tax and regulatory requirements. The role serves as a key advisor to the CFO and works closely with Firm Leadership, Practice Group Leaders, Talent , IT, and other internal and external stakeholders. The Controller will play a key role in supporting our complex multi-office law firm organization, ensuring the Firm maintains strong financial governance while providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.
The Financial Controller also serves as the business partner with our Financial Systems team for Elite 3E and other financial systems as applicable, ensuring effective utilization, reporting, and process optimization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESFinancial Reporting & Controllership- Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, accounting records and accounting policies:
- Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger by maintaining the chart of accounts, reviewing accounts, reconciling discrepancies, and implementing appropriate controls.
- Update accounting policies as needed
- Deliver financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making
- Establish and maintain appropriate accounting policies and procedures ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Provide guidance and exercise judgment on significant, complex or unusual accounting matters.
Treasury & Cash Management- Provide strategic oversight of the Firm's treasury function.
- Oversee liquidity management and cash flow planning across all entities and offices.
- Manage banking relationships and financial institutions.
- Oversee revolving credit facilities, borrowing arrangements, and covenant compliance.
- Review short- and long-term cash forecasts.
- Ensure effective cash concentration and inter-company funding strategies.
- Oversee banking controls, payment authorization processes, and fraud prevention measures.
- Support funding strategies for partner distributions and major Firm initiatives.
- Monitor investment activities and optimize the Firm's cash position.
Partner Accounting & Compensation- Oversee the financial administration of the Firm's partner compensation process and ensure approved compensation decisions are accurately implemented.
- Review significant partner accounting, compensation and tax matters and provide guidance on complex or sensitive issues.
- Ensure appropriate reporting and analysis to support partner compensation, capital and other financial decisions.
- Ensure partner-related transactions are appropriately reported in the general ledger, treasury, and financial reporting processes.
Leadership & Operational Oversight- Lead, mentor and develop the Assistant Controller and Manager, Treasury
- Establish performance expectations and support talent development and succession planning.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Internal Controls & Risk Management- Maintain and strengthen the Firm's internal control environment ensuring appropriate processes, controls and review procedures, segregation of duties and oversight processes.
- Assess financial and operational risks within the controllership function and implement mitigation strategies.
- Oversee financial control reviews, remediation of identified control deficiencies and continuous process improvement initiatives.
Audit, Tax & Compliance- Lead annual external audit processes and manage CRA and provincial tax audits as they arise.
- Serve as primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies, including CRA, as applicable.
- Provide oversight of the Firm's tax compliance and related tax-management activities, including but not limited to, partnership, GST/HST and other statutory filings.
- Ensure compliance with Law Society and regulatory requirements.
Budgeting and Forecasting- Assist in the preparation and ongoing management of the annual budget and regular forecasts.
- Provide financial insight and analysis to the CFO, National Management Committee (NMC) and Board, when necessary
Financial Systems & Process Improvement- Champion automation, workflow optimization, and finance transformation initiatives.
- Partner with technology teams on ERP, financial systems (Elite 3E), and reporting enhancements.
- Serve as executive business partner for Elite 3E financial operations.
- Lead financial systems enhancements, upgrades, and optimization initiatives.
- Drive AI automation and process improvement across finance operations.
QUALIFICATIONS- CPA designation required as well as a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 12+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience with a minimum 5 years in a senior controllership role.
- Experience in a law firm or professional services environment required.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., 3E/Elite, Aderant, or equivalent legal industry systems), Microsoft Excel (advanced), and other MS Office applications.
- Strong understanding of Canadian GAAP, IFRS/ASPE, and relevant tax regulations.
- Significant treasury and banking management experience.
- Experience overseeing credit facilities and complex cash management environments.
- Experience with internal control frameworks, tax compliance and partner accounting and compensation.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with provincial law society trust accounting rules and legal industry compliance requirements.
- Analytical Abilities: Demonstrated skill in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and variance reporting.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
- Attention to Detail: High degree of accuracy in work, with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Interpersonal Skills: Effective team player who can build relationships across departments and support a diverse, inclusive work environment.
- Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced professional setting.
CORE COMPETENCIES- Ethical Integrity: Maintains the highest standards of professional ethics and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive client information and trust accounts.
- Initiative/self starter: Proactively identifies problems and opportunities, proposing solutions and taking ownership of processes /ownership outcomes.
- Leadership: Demonstrates strong leadership through mentoring, initiative, and clear direction to Firm
- Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues at all levels, supporting the CFO, partners, and practice groups in meeting Firm objectives.
- Problem-Solving: Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to resolve accounting and operational challenges.
- Commitment to Excellence: Consistently delivers high-quality, timely, and accurate work, supporting the reputation and success of the Firm.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.This position represents a current vacancy.
Dentons is committed to equitable and competitive compensation. The target range for this opportunity falls within our internal salary ranges, which are based on comparable roles in the external market. We strive to hire, promote, and transfer individuals at the entry point of the range, with consideration given to prior experience, relevant skills, and market conditions.
We recognize that rewarding exceptional talent goes beyond salary. Our comprehensive total rewards package includes inclusive and flexible benefits that support the wellbeing and development of our people. This includes extended health and mental health benefits, paid time off, retirement savings plans, a fitness subsidy, parental leave top-up, and more.
In addition, our learning and development programs-such as mentorship opportunities, employee networks, and leadership development initiatives-are designed to support personal and professional growth.
At Dentons, all candidate screening, assessment, and hiring decisions are made by people. From time to time, we use AI-enabled tools to assist in enhancing our recruitment process and materials; however, these tools do not screen candidates or make hiring decisions.
Note: Availability of benefits and programs may vary depending on your location and employment type and may be subject to eligibility criteria. Dentons reserves the right to modify or discontinue offerings, in whole or in part, at its discretion and without prior notice.
