Controller

Randstad USA; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad USA seeks a strategic Controller to lead core accounting operations, GL management, and financial reporting. This high-visibility role includes mentoring a multi-location team and driving system automation.

You will partner with executives to safeguard financial integrity while advancing strategic initiatives in a fast-paced environment. The position requires CPA and experience in a multinational professional services setting, with a hybrid schedule (onsite 3 days/week in DC or NY) and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Active CPA is required; global law firm experience considered with CPA in progress.
• Experience leading accounting across multiple offices and international operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead full accounting operations, including general ledger, close, reconciliations, payroll accounting, fixed assets, internal controls, and audits.
• Manage banking activities, cash forecasting, treasury initiatives, and relationships with financial institutions.
• Oversee accounting activities across international offices, ensuring alignment with global processes.
• Mentor and develop the accounting team to drive technical excellence and process discipline.
• Drive workflow optimization and automation using ERP configurations and AI tools to reduce manual work.
• Provide oversight of client trust accounting and regulatory compliance.
• Support firmwide system implementations and cross-functional process redesigns.

Skills

Strategic leadership

CPA

Multi-office mgmt

Executive communication

Internal controls

ERP optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA certification

Tools

3E

Aderant

Job description

Are you a strategic financial leader ready to shape the future of a premier, globally recognized professional services firm? We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead core accounting operations, general ledger management, and financial reporting functions. In this high-visibility role, you will drive continuous improvement across the finance unit, mentor a high-performing team across multiple locations (including global offices), and optimize system workflows using modern technology and automation. Working alongside executive leadership, you will serve as a trusted subject matter expert, safeguarding financial integrity while executing strategic initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule with an onsite requirement of 3 days per week in either Washington, DC or New York, NY.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full accounting operations, including general ledger management, monthly/year-end close, balance sheet and bank reconciliations, payroll accounting, fixed assets, internal controls, and external audits.
• Manage banking activities, cash forecasting, treasury initiatives, and relationships with financial instrument representatives.
• Oversee accounting activities across international offices, ensuring full integration and alignment with global processes.
• Mentor and develop the accounting team to foster technical excellence, accountability, and process discipline across locations.
• Drive workflow optimization and automation, leveraging modern technology, ERP configurations, and emerging AI tools to reduce manual processes.
• Provide direct oversight of client trust accounting activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, timely resolutions, and effective stakeholder communication.
• Implement system-based and manual compliance protocols to safeguard the firm against errors, fraud, and irregularities.
• Serve as the primary accounting leader on cross-functional initiatives, firmwide system implementations, and process redesigns.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Industry Experience: Direct experience within a multi-state or global law firm, or a global professional services organization delivering complex, high-end services.
• Scale: Proven experience leading an accounting function within an enterprise generating $500M+ in revenue.
• Systems & Optimization: Demonstrated success optimizing complex ERP systems to scale across an enterprise (experience with 3E or Aderant is highly preferred).
• Leadership: Extensive management experience overseeing both direct and indirect reports across multiple offices.
• Executive Presence: Proven track record presenting to C-suite leadership with polished communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. Active CPA required; candidates with extensive global law firm experience may be considered with a CPA in progress or equivalent experience.