Controller

The Quest Organization; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Quest Organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for a technology-driven law firm. You will partner closely with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning while driving process improvements.

This role emphasizes AI, automation, and data analytics to elevate financial decision-making and scale the organization for growth. Strong CPA credentials and a law firm background are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience.
• Experience with law firms or professional services is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee month-end close, general ledger, financial reporting, and payroll coordination.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and audits.
• Develop internal controls, policies, and scalable operating procedures.

Skills

Finance leadership

Financial analysis

Data analytics

Automation

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

MBA/Masters a plus

Tools

ERP systems

Power BI/Tableau/Looker

Excel advanced

Job description

A growing, technology-driven law firm is seeking an experienced Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations while serving as a strategic business partner to executive leadership. This role is responsible for financial reporting, accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and process improvement while helping scale the organization for continued growth.

This is a technology-first finance leadership position where AI, automation, and data analytics play a central role. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading accounting operations, analyzing complex data, and implementing innovative technologies that improve efficiency and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Technology, Automation & AI

• Lead adoption of AI-powered finance solutions, including contract review, intelligent invoice processing, anomaly detection, and automated reporting.
• Drive integrations between ERP, practice management, HRIS/payroll, CRM, and other business systems.
• Develop real-time financial dashboards and automate reporting processes.
• Evaluate emerging financial technologies, automation platforms, and workflow tools to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure financial data integrity across integrated systems and collaborate on financial system security and access controls.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze complex financial and operational data to support executive decision-making.
• Build scalable dashboards, financial reports, KPIs, and variance analyses.
• Develop profitability models, cost analyses, and financial forecasts.
• Prepare ad hoc financial models to support pricing, growth initiatives, and strategic planning.
• Review vendor agreements and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Oversee invoice validation, reconciliation, procurement controls, and expense management.
• Maintain vendor performance metrics and spending analysis.

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee all accounting operations, including month-end close, general ledger, financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll coordination.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, audits, tax coordination, and financial compliance.
• Develop and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and scalable operating procedures.
• Manage banking relationships, external auditors, tax advisors, and key financial partners.
• Experience with legal accounting, trust accounting, and law firm billing processes is highly desirable.

Experience with many of the following is preferred:

• ERP platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or QuickBooks Online
• Law practice management and billing software (Clio, Elite, Tabs3, or similar)
• Business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Looker
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling
• AI-powered finance tools and automation platforms
• Workflow and integration tools

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred. MBA or Master's degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience, preferably within a law firm or other professional services environment.
• Strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, accounting operations, and internal controls.
• Experience leveraging technology, automation, and AI to improve finance operations.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills.
• Strong communication and executive presentation abilities, with experience partnering with executive leadership.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.