Controller/CFO

Phaxis; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Phaxis, a law-focused professional services group, seeks a Controller/CFO to lead the accounting department and serve as the firm's senior financial leader. You will oversee accounting, financial reporting, cash management, trust accounting, and financial analysis, working closely with Partners and the COO/Office Administrator.

This hands-on leadership role supports strategic growth and long-term success. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in accounting leadership, a law firm or professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and accounting operations.
• Experience leading and developing accounting teams.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations of the law firm.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to firm leadership.
• Prepare and distribute weekly cash position reports including cash balances, collections activity, anticipated receipts, and significant upcoming expenditures.
• Develop financial dashboards and KPIs related to profitability, collections, realization, cash flow, and overall firm performance.
• Monitor financial position and liquidity, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop financial forecasts, reporting tools, and performance metrics to support firm leadership.
• Partner with Partners and Office Administrator/COO to evaluate financial trends, business opportunities, and operational initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Department.
• Oversee billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and related functions.
• Improve processes, workflows, and internal controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the department.
• Oversee trust/IOLTA accounting and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

Job description

A law practice with nearly 50 years'experience representing a variety of clients in the northeast beltway and beyond is seeking to hire a Controller/CFO to lead their accounting department. This newly created leadership position reflects the firm's continued growth and commitment to strengthening its financial infrastructure. The Controller/CFO will serve as the firm's senior financial leader, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, cash management, trust accounting, and financial analysis. The Controller/CFO will work closely with the Partners and Office Administrator/COO to provide meaningful financial insight, support strategic decision-making, and help position the firm for long-term success. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on financial professional who wants to move beyond transactional accounting and play a meaningful role in the management and growth of a successful law firm.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations of the firm.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to firm leadership.
• Prepare and distribute weekly cash position reports, including cash balances, collections activity, anticipated receipts, and significant upcoming expenditures.
• Develop financial dashboards and key performance indicators related to profitability, collections, realization, cash flow, and overall firm performance.
• Monitor the firm's financial position and liquidity, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Develop financial forecasts, reporting tools, and performance metrics to support firm leadership.
• Provide analysis and recommendations related to profitability, staffing, compensation, and strategic investments.
• Partner with the Partners and Office Administrator/COO to evaluate financial trends, business opportunities, and operational initiatives.
• Help establish and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes as the firm continues to grow.

Accounting Department Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Department.
• Oversee billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and related functions.
• Improve processes, workflows, and internal controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the department.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee trust/IOLTA accounting and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with tax, audit, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, banking partners, and other advisors.
• Maintain strong financial controls and accounting policies.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Optimize accounting and financial systems.
• Ensure data integrity across accounting, billing, and reporting platforms.
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Leverage emerging technologies and AI-powered tools to enhance accounting operations, financial analysis, and reporting.

Reporting Structure:

The Controller/CFO serves as the firm's senior financial leader and oversees the Accounting Department. The Controller/CFO: Reports directly to the Partners regarding financial performance, reporting, forecasting, and strategic financial matters. Works closely with the Office Administrator/COO on staffing, operational initiatives, technology investments, and firm-wide planning. Provides leadership and direction to the Accounting Department.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and accounting operations.
• Experience leading and developing accounting teams.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred Qualifications CPA designation.
• Experience with legal accounting software such as Orion, Aderant, Elite, Tabs3, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of trust accounting and law firm financial operations.
• Experience implementing process improvements and financial reporting tools.