Controller

Friedman Williams; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Friedman Williams seeks an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function for a sophisticated professional services environment in the United States, with hybrid work options in Washington DC or New York. The role emphasizes accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of financial information while partnering with senior Finance leadership.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of accounting leadership in large firms serving law firm clients, with CPA preferred, and strong skills in ERP systems,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Active CPA license strongly preferred/required, depending on experience.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including leadership.
• Experience within a large law firm, professional services organization, or public accounting firm serving law firm clients is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting teams, including teams across multiple locations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency with enterprise financial systems.
• Experience with Elite 3E or comparable professional services/law firm financial management systems is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full accounting function, including general ledger, monthly close, financial reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, fixed assets, payroll accounting, and accounting operations.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly and year-end financial statements.
• Manage banking and treasury activities, including cash forecasting, bank administration, monitoring of banking activity, and relationships with financial institutions.
• Oversee accounting activities associated with international offices and ensure alignment with global accounting processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Accounting team, establishing accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows through automation, technology, and process redesign.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for ERP configurations, accounting workflows, and financial systems.
• Oversee client trust accounting, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Establish and monitor internal controls and compliance protocols designed to minimize errors, fraud, and financial irregularities.
• Serve as the Accounting lead on system implementations, process improvement initiatives, and other organization-wide projects.
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, IT, and other stakeholders to support strategic initiatives and evolving business needs.
• Leverage emerging technologies, including AI and automation, to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Change management

Automation & AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPA license

Tools

Elite 3E

ERP configurations

Excel

Job description

Controller - Must have Law Firm / Professional Services experience (Hybrid)

Location: Washington DC or New York

Position Overview: A highly respected Law Firm is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting function and oversee all core financial operations. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the organization’s financial information while partnering closely with senior Finance leadership and stakeholders across the organization.

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience managing accounting operations within a large law firm, professional services organization, or public accounting environment supporting law firm clients. This individual will combine strong technical accounting expertise with proven leadership skills and a passion for process improvement, technology, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full accounting function, including general ledger, monthly close, financial reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, fixed assets, payroll accounting, and accounting operations.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly and year-end financial statements.
• Manage banking and treasury activities, including cash forecasting, bank administration, monitoring of banking activity, and relationships with financial institutions.
• Oversee accounting activities associated with international offices and ensure alignment with global accounting processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Accounting team, establishing accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows through automation, technology, and process redesign.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for ERP configurations, accounting workflows, and financial systems.
• Oversee client trust accounting, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Establish and monitor internal controls and compliance protocols designed to minimize errors, fraud, and financial irregularities.
• Serve as the Accounting lead on system implementations, process improvement initiatives, and other organization-wide projects.
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, IT, and other stakeholders to support strategic initiatives and evolving business needs.
• Leverage emerging technologies, including AI and automation, to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Active CPA license strongly preferred/required, depending on experience.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including leadership of accounting functions and teams.
• Experience within a large law firm, professional services organization, or public accounting firm serving law firm clients is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing accounting teams, including teams across multiple locations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency with enterprise financial systems.
• Experience with Elite 3E or comparable professional services/law firm financial management systems is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial matters to senior leadership and non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and successfully manage competing priorities.
• Experience leveraging technology, automation, and emerging AI tools to improve accounting processes is a plus.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned accounting leader to take a significant role within a sophisticated professional services environment. The position offers the opportunity to lead a substantial accounting function, influence financial strategy, modernize processes and technology, and partner with senior leadership on important organization-wide initiatives.

Candidates coming from large law firms, Big Four/public accounting firms, or accounting organizations specializing in law firm clients are encouraged to apply.