Controller

A midtown law firm seeks an experienced, professional and proactive Controller with at least 5-8 years of accounting experience in a law firm, and 5-8 years of supervisory experience.  The Controller will oversee the accounting department staff, and will be responsible for the management of all financial and accounting activities, as well as legal and regulatory compliance for all accounting, financial reporting and electronic billing functions of the firm.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Management of the day-to-day accounting and finance matters, including:
  • Accounts payable
    • Ensure that accounts payable are paid in a timely manner
    • Ensure that all reasonable discounts are taken on accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
    • Ensure that accounts receivable are collected promptly
  • Payroll
    • Process payroll on a timely manner
  • Petty Cash
  • Processing month-end
  • Attorney and client billing
    • Extensive billing knowledge in a law firm
    • Oversee the billing and workflow for 50+ billing attorneys per month
  • General ledger accounting
  • Banking account relationships
  • Reconciliation of accounts
  • Escrow/IOLA Accounts
  • Quarterly and annual reporting
  • Tax functions, including payroll tax, property tax, sales tax and income tax
  • Production of the annual budget and forecasts
  • Calculating variances from the budget and report significant issues to management
  • Collections
  • Analyzing cash flow
  • Preparation of balance sheets
  • Preparation of various reports regarding earnings, income and expenses
  • Management of accounting software and databases
  • Development and implementation of financial, accounting, billing and auditing procedures
  • Compliance with accounting principles and practices
  • Compliance with all regulatory requirements, local, state and federal requirements
  • Coordinating the provision of information to external auditors, as needed
  • Providing insight into financial aspects of firm operations
  • Supervision of department staff
  • Performance management of accounting staff, and providing feedback during their annual performance reviews
• Management of payments required to retired partners
• Interfacing with all members of the firm, clients and vendors
• Interaction with executive committee members on a regular basis
• Maintaining a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
• Working closely with Human Resources and Administration to process payroll changes on a timely basis
• Oversee the operations of the accounting department to achieve the firm’s goals and objectives
• Involvement in the interview process for staff in the accounting department
• Other projects, assignments and ad hoc duties as requested 

Abilities and Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; MBA or CPA certification preferred
• Minimum of 5-8 years accounting experience in a law firm
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience supervising a department
• Experience with Elite billing software required, version 3.8 or higher preferred
• Experience with E-Hub thru Elite
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Thorough knowledge of accounting procedures and financial management
• Ability to create, analyze, summarize and articulate complex legal and financial reports
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational, planning, management and problem solving skills
• Strong strategic, analytical, teaching and listening skills
• Good aptitude for dealing with complex billing and payroll systems issues
• Deadline oriented, with the ability to work well under pressure, prioritize and multi-task while ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and quality
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others, and interact with employees, clients and professionals at all levels
• Ability to effectively manage and motivate staff
• Pleasant and cooperative attitude; team player
• Exceptional work ethic
• Ability to handle confidential information sensitively and discreetly
• Willingness to work hours as required to complete the essential duties of this position

The Firm offers excellent benefits as well as competitive salaries.  EOE/M/F/D/V.