Controller
About The Position
This is a hands-on leadership role at a well-established specialized law firm that handles patent, trademark, and related intellectual property work for clients ranging from startups to established manufacturers. The firm combines the sophistication of a specialized practice with a collegial, collaborative culture. The ideal Controller will confidently lead the accounting team and work directly with the CFO. Responsibilities include overseeing the accounting department, owning the close process, management reporting, trust accounting compliance, and partnering with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, revenue, and profitability. This role involves navigating contingency-fee accounting, litigation-funding structures, partner capital accounts, and the flow of official and foreign associate fees. It offers empowerment to improve systems, strengthen controls, and automate workflows.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required; CPA preferred.
- 10+ years of accounting experience, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
- 3+ years of law firm or professional services experience required; IP firm experience a plus.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and close management.
- Working knowledge of legal billing, WIP, collections, partner reporting, and law firm profitability measures.
- Advanced Excel skills and a proven ability to improve reporting efficiency.
- Professional written and verbal communication skills.
- High attention to detail, a responsive nature, transparency, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate across teams.
Nice To Haves
- CPA preferred
- IP firm experience a plus
Responsibilities
- Lead daily accounting operations, including general ledger, reconciliations, billing, and the close process.
- Oversee disbursement tracking and recovery for USPTO, foreign associate, and annuity fees.
- Coordinate with billing on WIP, collections, and revenue reporting.
- Verify proper use of expense accounts in the general ledger through expense reconciliation and allocation management.
- Oversee accounts payable, payroll coordination, and cash management.
- Prepare financial statements, management reports, and internal financial analysis.
- Ensure compliance with attorney trust accounting (IOLTA) requirements.
- Partner with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, revenue, and profitability analysis by practice area, attorney, and client.
- Serve as POC for external vendors and banks; support tax audits and inquiries from tax authorities.
- Routinely review procedures and strengthen internal controls and documentation.
- Identify and implement opportunities to simplify, standardize, and automate accounting workflows.
- Develop and mentor the accounting team.
Benefits
- Base salary: $170,000 to $205,00 per year, commensurate with experience and certification
- Annual bonus based on individual and firm objectives
- Work-life balance with a flexible hybrid schedule (3/2)
- Centrally located in Westchester County office and convenient Metro-North access
- Health insurance, voluntary dental, life and supplemental insurance, and AD&D coverage
- 401(k) with employer Safe Harbor match
- Flexible spending accounts
- Paid time off and parental leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
