Contoller
About The Position
Lydecker, a national, multi-state insurance defense litigation law firm with approximately 300 employees, is seeking a Controller to oversee the firm’s financial and accounting operations. The Controller ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and effective management of financial resources. The role provides strategic financial guidance to firm leadership and oversees general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, trust accounting, budgeting, payroll, billing, and financial analysis. A CPA designation is strongly preferred. The Controller partners with firm leadership on financial planning and growth initiatives, monitors firm profitability and operating metrics, and develops forecasts, budgets, and cash-flow projections. The position also oversees trust-account compliance and internal controls, coordinates audits and tax filings, improves billing and collections, and leads the accounting and finance team. The role is offered in a hybrid work environment with flexible work hours. The salary depends on the candidate’s depth and years of experience; annual performance bonuses are based on organizational and individual results. The firm conducts annual reviews with potential for significant salary growth.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
- At least 3 years of leadership experience overseeing accounting teams.
- Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
- Extensive knowledge of law firm financial operations, including trust accounting and legal billing.
- Advanced proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer.
- Occasional lifting of files and office materials up to 20 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- CPA designation strongly preferred.
- MBA or another advanced degree is a plus.
- Experience in a law firm, professional services firm, or the legal industry is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of law firm accounting systems, billing platforms, and trust accounting requirements.
- Experience with legal practice management software such as Clio, ProLaw, Aderant, or Elite 3E.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, QuickBooks, or comparable accounting systems.
- Experience with advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
Responsibilities
- Direct and manage accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
- Monitor profitability, attorney productivity, realization rates, and other key performance indicators.
- Develop and maintain financial forecasts, budgets, and cash-flow projections.
- Analyze financial results and recommend ways to improve financial performance.
- Oversee attorney trust accounts, including IOLTA and client trust accounts, and ensure compliance with state bar regulations.
- Maintain internal controls to safeguard firm assets and client funds.
- Ensure adherence to accounting standards, tax regulations, and legal-industry requirements.
- Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
- Supervise billing, collections, and revenue recognition.
- Work with partners and practice groups to improve billing efficiency and collection cycles.
- Monitor accounts receivable aging and implement collection strategies.
- Ensure accurate matter setup, billing rates, and expense allocation.
- Partner with firm leadership on long-term financial planning and growth initiatives.
- Evaluate investment opportunities, financing alternatives, and capital expenditures.
- Provide financial analysis for mergers, acquisitions, office expansions, and other strategic initiatives.
- Develop policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
- Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance staff.
- Establish departmental goals and performance metrics.
- Foster accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with attorneys, administrators, and external service providers.
Benefits
- Annual performance bonuses based on organizational and individual results.
- Annual reviews with potential for significant salary growth.
- Hybrid work environment and flexible work hours.
- Medical insurance through Cigna, with multiple plans; partially paid for by the company.
- Outpatient mental health services with no copays.
- Optional dental and vision insurance.
- Optional voluntary life and disability insurance.
- Optional voluntary accident insurance.
- Optional critical illness insurance.
- Optional cancer insurance.
- Optional hospitalization insurance.
- Optional health savings account.
- Optional flexible spending account.
- 401(k) after one calendar year of employment.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- Paid parking or commuter benefits.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
