Accounting Director

Vogel Law Firm•Fargo, ND

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Vogel Law Firm is seeking an experienced Accounting Director to lead the accounting function across all offices. Reporting to the President, the Accounting Director owns the accuracy and timeliness of the Firm’s financial reporting and oversees day-to-day accounting operations. This hands-on leadership role joins an established department and experienced team, building on that foundation while supervising, collaborating with, and developing the accounting team. The position serves on the administrative leadership team, reporting on and advising Firm strategy related to financial position, profitability, and long-range planning. The role is based on-site in the Fargo office and generally follows regular Monday-through-Friday office hours. Occasional extended hours may be needed to meet workload demands. The Firm offers reduced summer hours, including reduced Friday hours. The role requires prolonged sitting and computer use, occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, and clear communication in person, by phone, and in writing. Reasonable accommodation will be provided.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
Eight to ten 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.

Nice To Haves

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, including realization, work-in-process, and profitability, and with client trust/IOLTA compliance.
Experience with Orion or a comparable accounting or legal practice-management system.

Responsibilities

Manage the general ledger and prepare financial statements and management reporting in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
Oversee accounts payable and receivable, cash receipts, and bank reconciliations.
Lead annual budgeting and financial planning, providing strategic recommendations to Firm leadership.
Manage 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 to 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 act as the 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 and report on and advise Firm strategy regarding financial position, profitability, and long-range planning.