Controller

Jobot; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Controller/CFO to lead the accounting and financial operations for a respected regional law firm. You will partner with firm leadership to shape financial strategy and manage FP&A, cash flow, and trust accounting.

You will oversee the Accounting Department, drive reporting improvements, dashboards and budgeting, and play a key role in growth and regulatory compliance. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role with visibility to partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Experience in law firms or professional services preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cash management and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting, financial reporting, cash management and FP&A.
• Develop forecasts, budgets, dashboards and KPIs.
• Partner with firm leadership to support strategic initiatives.
• Oversee trust accounting, compliance and external audits.
• Improve processes, internal controls and reporting systems.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Orion

Aderant

Elite

Tabs3

Job description

Job Details

CONTROLLER/CFO | LAW FIRM FINANCE + STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP + TRUST ACCOUNTING + FP&A

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Anne-Laure McGrory

Salary: $150,000 - $185,000 per year

A bit about us

We are an established and respected law firm serving clients throughout the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. region. For decades, we have built our reputation on sophisticated legal representation, strong client relationships and a practical, business-minded approach to serving our clients.

Our attorneys handle a diverse range of matters, including commercial real estate, business transactions, litigation, estates and trusts, technology, alternative dispute resolution, zoning and land use, and representation of state and local entities.

As the firm continues to grow, we are investing in the infrastructure, processes and leadership needed to support that growth. This newly created Controller and/or CFO position represents an important addition to the firm's leadership structure and provides an opportunity for an experienced financial professional to have a meaningful voice in the firm's future.

This individual will serve as the firm's senior financial leader, partnering directly with firm leadership while overseeing the Accounting Department and the firm's financial operations.

Why join us

Make an Impact + Have a Voice

This is not a traditional accounting role. The Controller/CFO will have direct visibility to firm leadership and will play an important role in shaping the firm's financial strategy and future growth.

Strategic + Hands-On

You will have the opportunity to remain connected to the accounting operation while also moving beyond the transactional side of finance. The role combines accounting leadership, financial reporting, FP&A, cash management, forecasting and strategic decision-making.

Partner Directly With Leadership

The Controller/CFO will work closely with the Partners and Office Administrator/COO, providing financial insight and recommendations that can directly influence staffing, profitability, investments, compensation and growth.

Build + Improve

Because this is a newly created leadership position, there is an opportunity to build and enhance financial reporting, dashboards, KPIs, budgeting, forecasting and internal processes rather than simply maintaining the status quo.

Lead + Develop a Team

You will oversee and develop the Accounting Department while helping establish efficient, collaborative and service-oriented financial operations.

Join an Established + Growing Firm

You will be joining a respected, established law firm with a long history in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. market while having the opportunity to help shape its next stage of growth.

Competitive Compensation + Benefits

competitive salary + performance-based bonus + comprehensive benefits + 401(k) + executive leave program + professional development opportunities.

Job Details

An established and respected law firm in the Maryland/DC market is seeking an experienced Controller or CFO to lead its accounting and financial operations.

This newly created leadership position offers an opportunity for a hands-on financial professional to move beyond traditional accounting and become a true strategic partner to firm leadership.

This individual will serve as the firm's senior financial leader, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, cash management, trust accounting, financial planning and analysis, and the Accounting Department.

This individual will work directly with Firm Leadership to provide meaningful financial insight, improve reporting and processes, and help position the firm for continued growth.

Financial Leadership + Reporting

• Oversee the firm's accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports to firm leadership.
• Prepare weekly cash position reports covering cash balances, collections, anticipated receipts and significant upcoming expenditures.
• Develop financial dashboards and KPIs related to profitability, collections, realization, cash flow and overall firm performance.
• Monitor liquidity and identify financial risks and opportunities.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decisions.

FP&A + Strategic Finance

• Develop forecasts, budgets, reporting tools and performance metrics.
• Analyze profitability, staffing, compensation and strategic investments.
• Partner with the Partners and COO/Office Administrator on financial and operational initiatives.
• Enhance budgeting, forecasting and long-range financial planning as the firm continues to grow.

Accounting Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop the Accounting Department.
• Oversee billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable and related functions.
• Improve accounting processes, workflows and internal controls.
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented accounting environment.

Trust Accounting + Compliance

• Oversee trust/IOLTA accounting and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Ensure compliance with tax, audit and financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with outside accountants, auditors, banking partners and other advisors.
• Maintain strong financial controls and accounting policies.

Technology + Process Improvement

• Optimize accounting, billing and financial systems.
• Ensure data integrity across accounting, billing and reporting platforms.
• Identify opportunities for automation and improved reporting.
• Leverage emerging technology and AI-powered tools to improve accounting operations and financial analysis.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Prior law firm or professional services experience.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cash management, internal controls and accounting operations.
• Experience managing and developing accounting professionals.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non‑financial stakeholders and firm leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• Experience with legal accounting platforms such as Orion, Aderant, Elite, Tabs3 or similar systems.
• Strong knowledge of trust/IOLTA accounting.
• Experience developing financial dashboards, KPIs and reporting tools.
• Experience implementing process improvements or new financial systems.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and financial modeling.

Why Join

• This is a high‑impact leadership opportunity for a financial professional who wants to have a meaningful role in the direction of an established and growing law firm.
• The successful candidate will have direct visibility to firm leadership, the opportunity to build and improve financial infrastructure, and the ability to become a trusted advisor to the Partners and COO.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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