Type: Direct Hire/Permanent Placement
Location: Bethesda, MD (hybrid, 3 days/week in office)
Starting Salary: $150,000 - $190,000 (depending on years of experience, industry background, etc.)
Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Controller/CFO with a strong background in law firm financial management to lead finance and accounting operations. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to shape strategic financial initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive fiscal excellence across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive expertise in corporate accounting, financial analysis, and leadership within a legal environment, bringing energy and precision to our financial stewardship.
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
- Experience supervising an accounting/billing department, helping with tax issues, accounting general ledger/reconciliation issues, and conducting financial analysis of attorneys/groups
- Prior experience in a law firm or legal environment.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and accounting operations.
- Experience leading and developing accounting teams.
- Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred
- CPA designation.
- Experience with legal accounting software such as Orion, Aderant, Elite, Tabs3, or similar platforms.
- Knowledge of trust accounting and law firm financial operations.
- Experience implementing process improvements and financial reporting tools.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Develop financial forecasts, reporting tools, and performance metrics to support firm leadership.
- Provide analysis and recommendations related to profitability, staffing, compensation, and strategic investments.
- Partner with the Partners and Office Administrator/COO to evaluate financial trends, business opportunities, and operational initiatives.
- Help establish and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes as the firm continues to grow.
Accounting Department Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Department.
- Oversee billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and related functions.
- Improve processes, workflows, and internal controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
- Promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the department.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Oversee trust/IOLTA accounting and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
- Ensure compliance with tax, audit, and reporting requirements.
- Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, banking partners, and other advisors.
- Maintain strong financial controls and accounting policies.
Technology & Process Improvement
- Optimize accounting and financial systems.
- Ensure data integrity across accounting, billing, and reporting platforms.
- Identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting, and operational efficiency.
- Leverage emerging technologies and AI-powered tools to enhance accounting operations, financial analysis, and reporting.
#PhaxisFS
Pay: $160,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Law Firm/Legal Environment: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Bethesda, MD 20814 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bethesda, MD 20814
