Controller

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • San Francisco, CA

31d • Hybrid

About The Position

At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story? Join MoFo as CONTROLLER on our Financial Operations team! This role can be based in San Francisco or New York.

ABOUT THE ROLE
As the Controller, you will direct the Firm’s global accounting and payroll operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the Firm’s financial records in accordance with applicable accounting standards and partnership agreements. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and overseeing the Accounting and Payroll functions, you will lead the monthly and annual close; own internal controls and the external audit; assist with managing cash and banking activities; and partner with firm leadership on the financial operations of an AmLaw Global 50 partnership across multiple offices and currencies. You will develop and mentor a high-performing finance team, modernize accounting and payroll processes and systems, and serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO, COO, and partnership on financial matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, plus ten or more years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least five years in a controller, assistant controller, or senior finance leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting and payroll functions, the full close cycle, and external audits, ideally across multi-office, multi-currency, and multi-jurisdiction operations.
• High attention to detail, unwavering commitment to accuracy and integrity, and expert analytical, problem-solving, and financial-modeling skills.
• Proven leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to develop and retain a high-performing team, and strong project-management skills to lead multiple workstreams and meet deadlines.
• Excellent teamwork skills and a strong client-service orientation, with the ability to communicate effectively across a wide range of co-workers and management up to the C-suite and partnership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound, discreet judgment with sensitive financial information, and to prioritize workload across multiple competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Large law firm or professional services partnership experience strongly preferred, including familiarity with partnership accounting, partner capital, and distributions.
• Experience with legal and financial systems such as Elite 3E or Aderant, and with payroll and reporting platforms, preferred; strong knowledge of applicable accounting standards and internal control frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, fixed assets, intercompany accounting, cost allocation, and multi-currency/international consolidation; manage monthly and annual close in accordance with accounting standards and the partnership agreement.
• Prepare and review consolidated financial statements and reporting for the CFO, firm leadership, and Finance Committee; establish accounting policies, procedures, and the chart of accounts.
• Support treasury (banking relationships, FX platform administration), borrowing base/covenant compliance reporting, Japan tax refund budgeting and partner settlements, insurance/survey data requests, and year-end disbursement planning.
• Serve as controller for the charitable foundation (accounting, financial statements, audit) and administer the tuition loan program; act as liaison for accounting services to international finance teams and internal stakeholders.
• Direct multi-jurisdiction payroll for attorneys, staff, and partners, ensuring accurate, timely processing, including partner draws and guaranteed payments.
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, local, and international tax withholding, reporting, and filing requirements.
• Oversee payroll integration with the general ledger, benefits, and time-and-attendance systems, maintaining segregation of duties and controls.
• Partner with HR and Benefits on compensation changes, bonus cycles, and year-end reporting (W-2, 1099, and international equivalents); review exchange rates used for international compensation.
• Design and maintain internal controls over financial reporting, disbursements, receipts, partnership accounting, and payroll; document controls and risk matrices with process owners.
• Coordinate periodic testing of controls, monitor exceptions and remediation, and manage external resources supporting testing and internal audit functions, including bi-annual system access reviews.
• Lead the annual external audit and other statutory/regulatory examinations as primary liaison to auditors, preparing supporting schedules and workpapers.
• Partner with Tax on filing obligations and complex transactions; monitor changes in accounting standards and regulations, and provide information supporting US and international tax compliance.
• Lead evaluation, selection, and implementation of accounting/payroll systems and enhancements, serving as SME to ensure financial statement accuracy and integrity.
• Serve as finance SME for process modernization, system upgrades, and office openings/integrations.
• Partner with the CFO, COO, and practice area leaders on strategic and financial decisions (M&A, compensation currency methods, expense reimbursement policy, etc.).
• Drive standardization and automation of close, reconciliation, and reporting processes to improve productivity and reduce risk.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the Accounting and Payroll teams, setting goals, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Build a culture of accuracy, accountability, service, and continuous improvement.
• Allocate resources and manage workloads to meet deadlines across close, reporting, audit, and payroll cycles.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior