Controller

Overview

Location: Buffalo, NY; Tampa, FL; or fully remote (with limited travel) (Eastern time zone preferred)

The organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the firm’s financial operations and reporting functions. This role requires hands-on expertise with legal practice management/billing systems and a strong background in law firm financial management, including trust accounting, client billing, and firm-wide financial reporting.

The ideal candidate will manage day-to-day accounting operations and partner with firm leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. Experience with Aderant is required. SQL and SSRS reporting are preferred.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and trust accounting.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to firm leadership and partners.
• Partner with the COO and firm management to develop financial metrics, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate firm performance.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, profitability, realization rates, utilization rates, and working capital.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting activities.
• Provide financial modeling and analysis to support strategic initiatives and partner decision-making.
• Monitor departmental and practice area budgets and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Cash Management & Treasury

• Manage firm cash flow, banking relationships, and treasury functions.
• Oversee collections and working capital management.
• Monitor trust account balances and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.

Law Firm Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, firm policies, and legal industry accounting requirements.
• Oversee attorney trust accounting (IOLTA) and related reconciliations.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial risk management processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team.
• Establish performance goals and professional development plans for staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with HR regarding payroll accounting, benefits accounting, and compensation reporting.

Partner Compensation & Firm Analysis

• Support partner compensation calculations and reporting.
• Analyze attorney productivity, realization, collections, and profitability.
• Prepare financial presentations and recommendations for executive leadership and partnership meetings.
• Provide actionable insights to improve firm financial performance.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee financial systems, accounting software, and reporting tools.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.
• Collaborate with IT and operational leaders on technology enhancements.
• Ensure data integrity and security of financial information.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• MBA or advanced finance degree is a plus.

Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior experience as a Controller or senior finance leader.
• Law firm experience required.
• Hands-on experience with Aderant is required.
• Knowledge of and use of SQL and SSRS reporting with Aderant.
• Strong understanding of trust accounting and multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements.
• Proven experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for a multi-office organization.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with legal billing, partner compensation models, and trust accounting.
• Advanced financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Strong knowledge of accounting software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with attorneys, partners, and executive leadership.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proven leadership and staff development capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• SQL and SSRS reporting (preferred).
• CPA preferred.
• MBA or advanced finance degree is a plus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of monthly financial reporting.
• Budget and forecast accuracy.
• Cash flow management and working capital metrics.
• Trust account compliance and audit results.
• Profitability by attorney, practice group, and office.
• Accounting department efficiency and staff development outcomes.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation is commensurate with experience and skill set.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) (with generous vested match), flexible work options, and paid time off.