Controller for Established Law Firm

JustinBradley; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

JustinBradley presents a Controller opportunity with a premier global law firm seeking an accomplished accounting leader. The role oversees the Firm’s accounting function, drives close processes, financial reporting, and controls across a large, multi-location organization.

The ideal candidate has a CPA, 10+ years of senior accounting experience within a large professional services firm, and a track record of leveraging automation to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Active CPA license required; equivalent experience considered for senior roles in a large firm.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full accounting function including general ledger, monthly close, balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, internal controls, fixed assets, payroll accounting, external audits, and accounting operations.
• Oversee preparation of monthly and year-end financial statements.
• Manage banking activities including cash forecasting and relationships with bank representatives.
• Coordinate accounting activities across international offices to align with global processes.
• Develop and mentor the Accounting team; drive continuous improvement and automation.
• Provide ERP configuration and workflow leadership, plus client trust accounting oversight.
• Lead compliance protocols to safeguard against errors, fraud, and irregularities.
• Serve as Accounting lead on system implementations and firmwide projects.

Skills

Financial accounting

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Automation and tech

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Accounting/Finance

CPA license

Tools

3E

Microsoft Excel

Job description

JustinBradley’s client is an established law firm with nearly 700 attorneys and more than 1,000 professionals based in 13 offices across the world. They have engaged JustinBradley to hire their next Controller.

The Controller provides leadership and oversight of the Firm’s accounting function and related accounting operations, including general ledger, financial close, financial reporting, account reconciliations, internal controls, and other core accounting activities. The Controller is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the Firm’s general ledger and financial information. As a member of the Finance leadership team, the Controller leads and develops the Accounting team, drives continuous improvement and effective use of technology, and collaborates across the Firm to support strategic initiatives and evolving business needs.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the full accounting function including general ledger management, monthly close, balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, internal controls, fixed assets, payroll accounting, external audits, and accounting operations.
• Oversee preparation of monthly and year-end financial statements.
• Manage the Firm’s banking activities, including bank account administration, monitoring bank activity, cash forecasting, and other treasury initiatives; maintain relationships with bank representatives.
• Oversee accounting activities performed by the Firm’s international offices, ensuring integration and alignment with global accounting processes and priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team, establishing clear expectations and fostering accountability, technical excellence, process discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Continuously assess and identify opportunities to optimize workflows, leveraging automation and technology to enhance team productivity, improve accuracy and reduce manual processes.
• Provide accounting leadership and subject matter expertise for ERP configurations and workflows
• Provide oversight of client trust accounting activities, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements, timely resolution of outstanding items, and effective communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Lead efforts to implement and monitor compliance protocols, both system-based and manual checkpoints, to safeguard the Firm against potential errors, fraud, and irregularities.
• Serve as the Accounting lead on cross-functional initiatives, including system implementations, process redesign efforts, and other Firmwide projects,

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of financial accounting principles, financial processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex accounting and operational issues, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to create long-term plans and execute strategic process improvements while also having exceptional tactical skills to drive day-to-day execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters clearly and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, establish priorities, and operate effectively with a high degree of autonomy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, manage competing priorities, and drive results in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and manage high-performing teams across multiple locations, including setting expectations, coaching and development, and performance management.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and demonstrated ability to effectively use financial systems and reporting tools.
• Strong proficiency with enterprise financial and accounting systems; experience with 3E or comparable professional services financial management systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technology, automation, and emerging AI tools to improve accounting processes and efficiency.
• Demonstrates a continuous commitment to elevating service standards by delivering responsive, high-quality support to internal and external clients and proactively identifying opportunities to improve the client experience in all non-legal interactions.

Requirements:

The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required; an equivalent combination of education and experience, including significant experience in a senior accounting role within a large law firm, may be considered in lieu of the CPA requirement.

Experience

The position requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible accounting experience leading accounting functions and teams within a large, complex organization. Law firm or professional services experience is a plus.

JustinBradley is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.