Assistant Controller

Lowndes; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Lowndes, a full-service law firm in Orlando, FL, seeks an Assistant Controller to lead the Finance and Accounting Department. You will oversee daily accounting operations, financial close, and internal controls while collaborating with the CFO to advance operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has strong GAAP knowledge, leadership experience, and fluency with accounting software such as Aderant Expert, with a track record of process improvements and accurate financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Strong experience in general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and monthly financial close.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting or financial management systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities; ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Preferred: law firm or professional services experience; familiarity with law firm billing, collections, client trust accounting, and financial reporting; CPA designation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations: general ledger, billing, AR, collections, AP, cash receipts, and trust accounting.
• Direct monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements and reconciliations.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
• Analyze results, investigate variances, and report to the CFO.
• Lead and develop accounting staff, with clear expectations.
• Manage cash activities, banking reconciliations.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, audits, and tax reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, automate, and strengthen reporting.
• Collaborate with CFO, attorneys, and admin to support objectives.

Skills

General ledger accounting

Financial reporting

Monthly close

Internal controls

Leadership

Excel

Accounting software

Analytical

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

Aderant Expert

Job description

Position Overview

Lowndes, a full-service law firm based on Orlando, Florida, is seeking an experienced accounting professional to join our Finance and Accounting Department as an Assistant Controller.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position will provide leadership and oversight of the firm's accounting operations, financial reporting, monthly close processes, internal controls, and accounting personnel. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with the CFO and play a significant role in the continued development of the firm's accounting operations. Additionally, the position offers meaningful responsibility, professional development, and the opportunity to contribute to the firm's continued operational improvement.

The successful candidate will have strong technical accounting skills, proven leadership abilities, and a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. We are seeking a collaborative, proactive accounting professional who demonstrates sound judgment, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to accuracy and accountability. The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing daily accounting operations while also identifying opportunities to improve processes, develop employees, and strengthen financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the firm's daily accounting operations, including general ledger, billing, accounts receivable, collections, accounts payable, cash receipts, and trust accounting.
• Direct and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Oversee the preparation and review of financial statements, account reconciliations, and supporting financial schedules.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records and compliance with applicable accounting standards and internal controls.
• Review financial results, investigate variances, and provide meaningful financial analysis to the CFO.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting personnel, establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Oversee cash management activities, banking reconciliations, and related accounting procedures.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, audits, tax reporting, and other financial activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen controls, automate routine activities, and enhance financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the CFO, attorneys, and administrative personnel to support the firm's financial and operational objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Strong experience in general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and monthly financial close processes.
• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and internal controls.
• Experience preparing and reviewing financial statements.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or accounting team management experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with accounting or financial management systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.

Preferred

• Accounting experience in a law firm or professional services organization is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with law firm billing, collections, client trust accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience with Aderant Expert or similar accounting software.
• Experience improving accounting processes, reporting systems, or operational efficiency.
• CPA designation.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.