Assistant Controller

Lowndes; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lowndes, a full-service law firm in Orlando, seeks an experienced Assistant Controller to lead daily accounting operations and reporting. You will report to the CFO, oversee monthly closes, and strengthen internal controls while mentoring accounting staff.

We value proactive problem-solving, accuracy, and collaboration with attorneys and administration to support financial and operational objectives. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Strong experience in general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and monthly close processes.
• Knowledge of GAAP and internal controls; leadership or supervisory experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations including GL, billing, AR, collections, AP, cash receipts, and trust accounting.
• Direct and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records and compliance with accounting standards and controls.
• Provide financial analysis of results and variances to CFO.
• Supervise and develop accounting staff, setting clear expectations.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Excel

Internal controls

Analytical thinking

Communication

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Aderant Expert

Accounting software

ERP systems

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.