Controller

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: CONTROLLER

LOCATION: PINE BROOK, NJ

POSITION: FULL TIME/DIRECT HIRE

Position Overview :

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of a growing, mid-sized law firm of approximately 50–60 attorneys. This role requires a balance of strategic oversight and day-to-day execution, supporting firm leadership with accurate financial reporting, operational insights, and forward-looking analysis.

The ideal candidate has strong law firm accounting experience, is comfortable operating in a lean environment, and can leverage AI-driven tools and advanced Excel modeling to enhance reporting, forecasting, and decision-making. You will report directly to the CEO and Firm Leadership/Partners along with the Bookkeeper reporting directly to you.

Key Responsibilities :

• Oversee the full-cycle accounting function, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and legal billing operations
• Directly manage and mentor the Bookkeeper, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across daily accounting activities
• Prepare and deliver timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including partner-level reporting
• Provide practice group and partner profitability analysis, revenue tracking, and expense management insights
• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes in a timely and accurate manner
• Oversee law firm billing operations using Centerbase, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integration with accounting systems
• Maintain and optimize QuickBooks for financial reporting and internal controls
• Utilize AI tools and automation to improve financial reporting, forecasting, and data analysis capabilities
• Build and maintain advanced Excel models for budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning
• Ensure compliance with legal accounting standards, including trust accounting (IOLTA) and regulatory requirements
• Review general ledger activity, investigate variances, and ensure proper reconciliations across all accounts
• Oversee payroll processing and coordination with third-party providers (e.g., ADP or similar)
• Partner with leadership on annual budgeting, financial planning, and strategic initiatives
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability as the firm grows
• Serve as a key financial advisor to the CEO and partners, translating financial data into actionable insights
• Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to firm-wide operational strategy
• Perform additional duties as needed to support firm operations

Qualifications :

• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including significant law firm experience (required)
• Proven experience in a mid-sized or growing firm environment, with the ability to be both strategic and hands-on
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred
• Strong experience with QuickBooks (required) and Centerbase or similar legal billing platforms (required)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling and data analysis
• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI tools for reporting, forecasting, and operational efficiency
• Deep understanding of law firm financial operations, including billing, collections, and trust accounting (IOLTA)
• Prior experience managing or mentoring accounting staff
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with attorneys and firm leadership
• High attention to detail, integrity, and accountability

Core Competencies :

• Hands-on financial leadership in a mid-sized environment
• Strategic thinking with operational execution
• Data analysis and AI-driven reporting
• Process improvement and scalability
• Collaboration with attorneys and business professionals