Controller

MDW Law - Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive team environment

4.5-day work week with Friday half-day

Job summary

MDW Law & Tandem Family Law / Droit de la famille is seeking a Controller to lead the Finance & Administration team in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This hands-on role covers full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, with a focus on trust accounting oversight and strategic financial input for growth.

You will partner with firm leadership to provide timely, useful financial information and drive process improvements in a dynamic law firm environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation is preferred; equivalent senior accounting leadership experience will be considered.
• Experience with law firm accounting, trust accounting, or regulated client fund environments is an asset; however, candidates with strong technical accounting, controls, and compliance experience will also be considered.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience with full-cycle accounting, multi-entity accounting, financial/management reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting systems; experience with legal accounting, practice management, payroll, or cloud-based accounting platforms is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, with a proactive mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute full-cycle accounting functions, including banking, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare and review financial reports and statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes with accuracy, timeliness, and strong attention to detail.
• Provide financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to the leadership team through regular reporting to support effective decision-making.
• Coordinate and support external audit requirements, including preparation of documentation and responses to audit inquiries.
• Maintain audit-ready trust accounting records and reconciliations and support compliance with applicable law society requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead the preparation of budgets and financial forecasts, including variance analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to a team-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement.

Skills

Progressive accounting

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Internal controls

CPA preferred

Law firm accounting

Multi-entity accounting

Excel proficiency

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Accounting software

Payroll systems

Job description

MDW Law & Tandem Family Law / Droit de la famille

MDW Law & Tandem Family Law / Droit de la famille is currently seeking a Controller for the Finance & Administration team based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This is a hands‑on finance leadership role responsible for full‑cycle accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, trust accounting oversight, and supporting firm leadership with timely, useful financial information. As Controller, you will play a key role in supporting the financial health, compliance, and continued growth of MDW Law and Tandem Family Law / Droit de la famille. This role combines day‑to‑day accounting leadership with meaningful input into reporting, systems, controls, and process improvement.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy variety in your work, and want to contribute meaningfully to a growing and innovative law firm, we want to hear from you.

WHO WE ARE

MDW Law is a growing, innovative and distinguished law firm based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, dedicated to providing exceptional legal services in family and personal injury law. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, and our dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Tandem Family Law / Droit de la famille is dedicated exclusively to family law, helping individuals and families navigate the legal system with confidence and clarity.

We are a team of passionate, dedicated and experienced lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, and business professionals who work together daily to ensure our clients get the best possible solutions to their problems. We provide legal services throughout Nova Scotia through MDW Law and New Brunswick through Tandem Family Law / Droit de la famille, including representation at the Court of Appeal level.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A modern, open‑concept office equipped with up‑to‑date technology.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Paid time off.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Professional growth and career development opportunities.
• A supportive and collegial team environment.
• 4.5‑day work week with Friday afternoons off.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience owning month‑end close, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation is preferred; equivalent senior accounting leadership experience will be considered.
• Experience with law firm accounting, trust accounting, or regulated client fund environments is an asset; however, candidates with strong technical accounting, controls, and compliance experience will also be considered.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience with full‑cycle accounting, multi-entity accounting, financial/management reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting systems; experience with legal accounting, practice management, payroll, or cloud‑based accounting platforms is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, with a proactive mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, high‑quality work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and execute full‑cycle accounting functions, including banking, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare and review financial reports and statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Lead month‑end and year‑end close processes with accuracy, timeliness, and strong attention to detail.
• Provide financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to the leadership team through regular reporting to support effective decision‑making.
• Coordinate and support external audit requirements, including preparation of documentation and responses to audit inquiries.
• Maintain audit‑ready trust accounting records and reconciliations and support compliance with applicable law society requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead the preparation of budgets and financial forecasts, including variance analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and contribute to a team‑oriented environment focused on continuous improvement.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.