Controller Washington, DC

Crowell & Moring LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

Crowell & Moring LLP, a leading international law firm, seeks a Controller to lead the accounting function and drive financial integrity. The role oversees the general ledger, close cycles, treasury activities, and global accounting alignment across offices.

The ideal candidate has a CPA license and 10+ years in senior accounting roles, ideally within a large law firm or professional services. Strong Excel, ERP, and automation experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Active CPA license required; equivalent experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full accounting function including general ledger, monthly close, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Oversee preparation of monthly and year-end financial statements.
• Manage banking activities and treasury initiatives; maintain relationships with banks.
• Coordinate accounting activities across international offices and align with global processes.
• Develop and mentor the Accounting team; drive process discipline and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to automate workflows and enhance efficiency through technology.
• Provide subject matter expertise for ERP configurations and workflows.
• Oversee client trust accounting and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives including system implementations and process redesigns.

Skills

Financial accounting

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Autonomy

Change management

AI in accounting

Client service mindset

Education

CPA license

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Accounting/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems (3E or similar)

Job description

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, intellectual property, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for representing Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion. At Crowell & Moring, exceptional client service begins with exceptional people. We are committed to delivering responsive, high-quality, and professional service to our clients and to one another, while continuously elevating standards of excellence across every aspect of our work.

Job Summary: 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:

Education

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.

Pay Range

$195,000-$265,000 - Washington, DC

#Hybrid

Our Firm is committed to fair and equitable compensation practice in accordance with applicable laws. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus. The salary for this position may vary based on location, market data, an applicant's skills and prior experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other factors.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, and all-purpose leave and progressive options such as back up childcare, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.

EOE m/f/d/v

Crowell & Moring LLP participates in the E-Verify program.