Controller – Buffalo

Rupppfalzgraf; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

401k with firm contribution

Year-end bonus

Job summary

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, a full-service law firm headquartered in downtown Buffalo, seeks a seasoned Controller to manage accounting operations and financial reporting. This hands-on, non-supervisory role ensures data integrity, regulatory compliance, and efficient processes, partnering with the Director of Finance.

The candidate will lead accounting activities across A/R, A/P, billing, GL, and trust accounting, with a strong emphasis on GAAP, controls, and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with full-cycle accounting, close processes and reconciliations.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly accounting activities including AP, AR, billing, and GL.
• Manage full billing cycle: pre-bill review, edits, final invoicing.
• Coordinate with attorneys and billing staff for timely, accurate billing.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and financial transactions for accuracy.
• Conduct monthly, quarterly, and year-end close and reporting.
• Maintain internal controls and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Perform bank and cash reconciliations across firm accounts.
• Support cash forecasting and short-term liquidity planning.
• Assist with trust accounting operations and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare financial statements and management reports for leadership.
• Develop and enhance reporting tools, dashboards, and KPIs.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Financial reporting

Education

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

Tools

Aderant

Elite

Job description

About Us: Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC is a full-service law firm headquartered in downtown Buffalo, with offices across New York State. We are a team of problem solvers who take a practical, solutions-focused approach to our work and value the contributions of every team member. Our firm offers opportunities to develop, take on new challenges, and grow within a collaborative environment.

Role Summary: Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Controller to oversee and execute the firm’s accounting operations and financial reporting functions. This is a hands-on, non-supervisory role responsible for the integrity of the firm’s financial data, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the efficient operation of all accounting processes.

The Controller will serve as a key partner to the Director of Finance, providing accurate financial information, actionable insights, and operational support across the firm. This role requires strong technical accounting expertise, analytical capability, and experience within a professional services or law firm environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & General Ledger

• Own and perform daily, weekly, and monthly accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and general ledger functions.
• Oversee and support the full billing cycle, including pre-bill review, edits, and final invoice processing.
• Coordinate with attorneys and billing staff to ensure timely and accurate billing.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial transactions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper classification.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, ensuring adherence to accounting policies and procedures.
• Perform and oversee all bank and cash reconciliations across firm accounts.
• Monitor cash flow and support short-term cash forecasting.

Trust & Legal Accounting

• Manage trust accounting operations, including reconciliations and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., IOLTA/trust rules).
• Monitor trust account activity and ensure strict adherence to fiduciary responsibilities.
• Support internal and external audits related to trust and operating accounts.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Respond to client and partner financial requests, including matter-level and timekeeper performance reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance reporting tools, dashboards, and KPIs to the Firm.
• Analyze financial trends, variances, and key performance indicators to provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Perform detailed Work-in-Process (WIP) analysis, including aging, write-ups/write-downs, and billing velocity.
• Monitor and analyze accounts receivable (AR), including aging, collections trends, and realization rates.
• Supporting billing and collections strategies, including client payment behavior analysis and follow-up processes.
• Conduct financial and operational data analysis to support strategic decision-making.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Assist in identifying and implementing opportunities to streamline accounting processes and improve controls.
• Participate in accounting system enhancements, upgrades, and automation initiatives.
• Document procedures and support best practices across the accounting function.
• Partner closely with the Director of Finance to support firm-wide financial strategy.
• Collaborate with attorneys, practice groups, and administrative teams on financial matters.
• Serve as a key accounting resource across the firm, providing guidance and resolving complex issues.
• Assist with special projects, and other finance-related initiatives as needed.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with full-cycle accounting, including close processes and reconciliations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems.
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis and financial reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with attorneys and leadership.

Preferred

• CPA or CMA certification (or progress toward certification).
• Prior experience in professional services, legal, or trust accounting environments.
• Experience with financial reporting automation and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience with Law Firm billing software (Aderant, Elite, etc.).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• This position is primarily performed in an office setting and involves extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, and communicating via phone and email, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The role may require occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (e.g., files or office materials up to approximately 10–20 pounds), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic work environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Wage Information: $80,000 – $105,000 per year depending on experience and skillset.

Why Rupp Pfalzgraf:

• Collaborative and professional work environment.
• Opportunity to work closely with leadership and gain exposure to firm-wide financial operations.
• Emphasis on accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Benefits: Our generous benefits package includes paid time off in addition to paid holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k with Firm contribution, potential for 401 profit sharing, short and long-term disability insurance, employee assistance program, ID protection insurance, group term life insurance, and an opportunity for a year-end bonus based on performance.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or domestic violence victim status.