Comptroller - Law Firm

PKF O'Connor Davies TalentConnect; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

PKF O'Connor Davies TalentConnect is seeking a Comptroller for a New York-based boutique law firm. This full-charge bookkeeping role reports to the Management Committee and oversees the billing administrator, bridging staff and attorneys while driving change and process improvement.

The ideal candidate will blend technical accounting expertise with strong analytical and communication skills, uphold integrity, and lead month-end/ year-end closing, trust accounting, and financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or accounting required.
• 7–10 years of front-line bookkeeping experience in a law firm.
• Advanced knowledge of 3E/Elite and Microsoft Office 365, including expert Excel proficiency.
• Advanced knowledge of trust accounting for retainers and other client funds, including state bar audits.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with e-billing systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, work independently, and work well under pressure, deadlines and competing demands.
• Flexible and adaptable to change.
• Scrupulously honest and reliable.

Responsibilities

• Regularly work with and develop relationship with Management Committee.
• Manage and maintain accounting and billing system, including using 3E on a daily basis.
• Execute all daily bookkeeping tasks including processing of accounts payable and receivable, trust account transactions, day-to-day banking issues, and maintaining the firm’s general ledger, trust ledger and other accounting records.
• Daily verification of compliance with internal controls and policies.
• Ensure appropriate use of expense accounts in the general ledger, and reconciling and allocating expenses to clients and matters.
• Handle month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations and preparation of monthly financial reports and statements.
• Prepare firm tax returns and K-1s; oversee quarterly tax estimates for UBT, CRT and PTET.
• Generate and distribute 1099s, as needed.
• Work with attorneys to investigate and address billing and accounting issues.
• Communicate with external vendors, such as accountants and banks.
• Identify and execute improvements to the firm’s accounting and financial reporting processes.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or accounting

Tools

3E/Elite

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Our client, a top-ranked New York-based boutique law firm is seeking a Comptroller. This full-charge bookkeeping role reports directly to the Management Committee and oversees the firm’s billing administrator. The ideal candidate will be able to serve as a bridge between the firm’s staff and attorneys while fostering change and process improvement.

The ideal candidate must have a blend of technical expertise, analytical abilities and strong communication skills, coupled with the highest integrity. The Comptroller will oversee and work closely with one billing manager and will report to the Management Committee.

Responsibilities:

• Regularly work with and develop relationship with Management Committee
• Manage and maintain accounting and billing system, including using 3E on a daily basis
• Execute all daily bookkeeping tasks including processing of accounts payable and receivable, trust account transactions, day-to-day banking issues (deposits, wire and ACH payments and transfers, Positive Pay, etc.), and maintaining the firm’s general ledger, trust ledger and other accounting records
• Daily verification of compliance with internal controls and policies
• Ensure appropriate use of expense accounts in the general ledger, as well as reconciling and allocating expenses to clients and matters
• Handle month-end and year-end processes, including all account reconciliations (including three-way reconciliations of trust accounts), adjusting journal entries, etc. and preparation of monthly financial reports and statements
• Serve as primary contact with, and provide complete and accurate information to outside accountants for quarterly tax estimates including UBT, CRT and state and local pass-through entity taxes (PTET) and annual review of financial statements and preparation of firm tax returns and K-1s
• Generate and distribute 1099s, as needed
• Work with attorneys to investigate and address billing and accounting issues
• Communicate directly with external vendors, such as accountants, CPAs, and banks
• Identify and execute improvements to the firm’s accounting and financial reporting processes

Other Projects And Responsibilities, As Assigned

• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business or accounting required 7-10 years of front-line bookkeeping experience in a law firm Advanced knowledge of 3E/Elite and Microsoft Office 360, including expert Excel proficiency Advanced knowledge of trust accounting for retainers and other client funds, including state bar audits Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting Familiarity with e-billing systems Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills Outstanding accuracy and attention to detail Ability to multitask, work independently, and work well under pressure, deadlines and competing demands Flexible and adaptable to change Scrupulously honest and reliable

The compensation for this position ranges from $125,000.00 - $175,000.00. Actual compensation will be dependent upon the specific role, office location as well as the individual’s qualifications, experience, skills and certifications.