Controller and Firm Administrator

Cherry Bekaert Recruiting & Staffing Services; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Cherry Bekaert Recruiting & Staffing Services is assisting a prestigious DC law firm in its search for a Controller and Firm Administrator. The role blends finance leadership with HR and office administration in a hybrid environment with up to four days in office.

The Controller will lead a three-person accounting team, work with the Managing Member and leadership, ensure strong controls, and support attorneys and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting, finance, or law-firm administration.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; strong discretion with confidential matters.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including billing, AR, collections, AP, trust/IOLTA accounting, and GL.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and analyses; manage treasury and cash flow.
• Coordinate with outside CPA and manage tax return filing.
• Manage HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and records.
• Direct day-to-day office administration and vendor management.
• Ensure compliance with legal-industry requirements and internal controls.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Discretion & professionalism

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

Tabs3 Software

Job description

We are engaged in a search for a Controller and Firm Administrator for an outstanding law firm client in DC. This boutique firm is seeking an experienced Controller who can wear many hats and support on the Firm Administration in a hybrid, up to 4 days in office setting.

The Controller & Firm Administrator is responsible for overseeing the firm’s financial

operations, accounting functions, human resources, and day-to-day office administration.

This position leads a three-person accounting department and partners with the Managing

Member and leadership team to ensure the firm operates efficiently, maintains strong

financial controls, and supports its attorneys and staff well.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting

• Manage all accounting operations, including billing, accounts receivables, collections, expense payments, accounts payable, trust/IOLTA accounting, and general ledger.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and financial analysis.
• Manage treasury functions, coordinate with banks.
• Prepare annual budget and monthly cash flow projection; manage daily cash flow.
• Coordinate with outside CPA and manage the tax return filing; manage all other.
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and ensure compliance with applicable accounting and legal-industry requirements.

Human Resources

• Manage the firm’s compensation process.
• Coordinate recruiting and hiring activities with firm leadership.
• Oversee employee onboarding, offboarding, benefits, and personnel records.
• Administer firm policies, employee relations, annual performance processes, and compliance requirements.

Office Administration

• Manage day-to-day office operations, facilities, vendors, supplies, and office services. Negotiate the contracts as needed.
• Coordinate with outside IT professional on technology, telecommunications, manage insurance renewal process, coordinate with landlord on leases and other matters; manage other administrative relationships, as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain efficient administrative procedures and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting, finance, office administration, or law-firm
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential financial and personnel matters.
• Experience with legal-industry accounting, trust accounting, and practice management systems is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Tabs3 Software a plus

Reports to: Managing member

This role comes with a discretionary bonus and excellent benefits package.