Controller (Legal Industry Exp. Required)

CFS; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid health insurance

401(k) with match

paid vacation

Job summary

CFS in Fort Lauderdale, FL is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee its accounting and finance functions for a 50+ employee firm. This role reports to the Managing Partner and leads a small accounting team, with responsibilities across close, cash flow, payroll, and intercompany transactions.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, law-firm accounting experience, and at least 3+ years at Controller level within a $5M-$20M organization. Fort Lauderdale office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Prior law firm or legal industry accounting experience.
• Experience with billable hours.
• Knowledge of law firm accounting practices including full cycle, AR/AP reporting, and tax preparation.
• 3+ years at Controller level in mid-size firms ($5M-$20M).
• Juris accounting software experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly close process and prepare accurate financial statements.
• Monitor cash flow and manage ongoing financial reporting.
• Administer in-house payroll and handle intercompany transactions.
• Deliver financial insights and reporting to firm leadership.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting staff.
• Assist with risk management and internal controls initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Internal controls

Payroll administration

Cash flow

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Juris accounting software

Job description

Controller - Law Firm

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL (Monday-Friday in office)

Salary: $130,000 - $160,000

A respected and long-standing Florida law firm is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee its accounting and finance function. With over 40 years in business, the firm has grown to 50+ employees (including 20+ attorneys) across three offices and maintains a collaborative, family-oriented culture with strong employee retention. Its client base includes both public and private companies, including Fortune 500 organizations.

Why join this company as the Controller?

• Annual Salary of $130,000-$160,000
• Benefits:100% employer-paid health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid vacation
• Report directly to the Managing Partner
• Opportunity to be in a leadership role that is responsible for the firm’s financial operations
• Supervise a small accounting team

What will the Controller do?

• Oversee monthly close process and prepare accurate financial statements
• Monitor cash flow and manage ongoing financial reporting
• Administer in-house payroll and handle intercompany transactions
• Deliver financial insights and reporting to firm leadership
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting staff
• Assist with risk management and internal controls initiatives

What previous experience is required of the Controller?

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• Required: Prior law firm or legal industry accounting experience
• Experience working with billable hours
• Strong knowledge of law firm accounting practices (including full cycle accounting, AR and AP reporting, and tax preparation)
• 3+ years of experience at the Controller level (ideally within $5M-$20M organizations)
• Juris accounting software system experience preferred but not required