Controller | Law Firm Accounting

Goodwin Recruiting; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Employer-paid health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Wellness programs

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking a Controller for a boutique litigation law firm in Buckhead, Atlanta. This hands-on role leads accounting operations with emphasis on trust accounting and accurate financial reporting.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in law firm or professional services accounting, excellent technical skills, and a proactive mindset to drive process improvements. Hybrid schedule with onsite >4 days per week after 90 days.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of accounting experience within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong law firm trust accounting experience required.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Strong Excel skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close, GL accounting, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Oversee law firm trust accounting, banking activities, and reconciliations.
• Manage AP/AR, client billing, and cash management.
• Prepare monthly statements and partner reports.
• Oversee payroll administration and 401(k) reconciliations.

Skills

Law firm trust accounting

Financial reporting

Leadership

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Legal accounting software

Job description

Controller | Law Firm Accounting

Atlanta, GA (Buckhead) | $140,000 to $160,000 + Bonus | Hybrid

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of an established boutique litigation law firm in Buckhead, Atlanta.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys ownership, autonomy, and working directly with firm leadership. The ideal candidate brings strong law firm trust accounting experience, excellent technical accounting skills, and a proactive approach to improving processes and efficiencies.

Compensation & Benefits

• $140,000 to $160,000 base salary + annual discretionary bonus
• Hybrid schedule: 4 days onsite, 1 day remote after 90 days
• 100% employer-paid employee-only medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Wellness programs, virtual healthcare, and additional health benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close process, general ledger accounting, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Oversee law firm trust accounting, banking activities, and account reconciliations.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, client billing, and cash management.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and reports for firm partners.
• Oversee payroll administration and 401(k) reconciliations and reporting.
• Prepare annual budgets and coordinate year-end financial reporting with external CPAs, including partnership tax documentation and K-1 reviews.
• Maintain accounting records and financial data within the firm's legal accounting software.
• Evaluate existing accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and implement operational improvements.
• Provide oversight and support to the firm's AP and AR accounting staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 5+ years of accounting experience within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong law firm trust accounting experience required.
• Experience managing month-end close, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and reconciliations.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Experience with legal accounting software preferred, but not required.
• Strong Excel skills and the ability to quickly learn new accounting systems.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a hands-on accounting environment.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working directly with firm leadership.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Established, respected boutique litigation firm with long-tenured leadership.
• Direct partnership with firm leadership and significant ownership of the accounting function.
• Opportunity to improve processes, enhance reporting, and make a meaningful impact.
• Collaborative, professional environment with a lean accounting team.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid flexibility.

Location: Buckhead, Atlanta, GA. Candidates must be comfortable working onsite four days per week following the initial 90-day period.

If you're an experienced Law Firm Controller, Legal Accounting Manager, or accounting leader with strong trust accounting experience, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.