Assistant Controller

Friedman Williams; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Friedman Williams is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller for a prestigious law firm in Chicago. This role involves overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls, while collaborating with leadership for strategic growth.

The successful candidate will manage budgeting, payroll, and audit coordination, while mentoring a talented team. A bachelor’s degree in accounting and CPA credentials are preferred. This hybrid position offers a chance to significantly impact the organization.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience with supervisory responsibility.
• Strong understanding of GAAP.
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Lead general ledger activities and billing oversight.
• Mentor and develop the accounting team.

Skills

Accounting expertise

Hands-on leadership

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA credentials or CPA candidacy

Job description

Assistant Controller Chicago IL

Job ID: 21297

Our client, a highly respected law firm in Chicago, is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join its leadership team. This highly visible role will oversee the firm’s day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and month‑end close process while partnering with leadership to support strategic decision‑making and continued growth. The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting expertise, a hands‑on leadership style, and experience within a law firm or professional services environment.

The Assistant Controller will lead general ledger activities, financial statement preparation, billing and collections oversight, budgeting support, payroll administration, trust accounting compliance, and audit coordination. This individual will also mentor and develop a talented accounting team while driving process improvements, automation initiatives, and reporting enhancements that strengthen operational efficiency and financial performance.

Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting, five or more years of progressive accounting experience with supervisory responsibility, a strong understanding of GAAP, and advanced Excel skills. Law firm or professional services accounting experience is strongly preferred, along with CPA credentials (or CPA candidacy). This is a hybrid opportunity based in Chicago, offering the chance to make a significant impact within a collaborative and growth‑oriented organization.