Global Controller

Institute of Management Accountants, Inc.; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) retirement & profit sharing

Paid time off

FSAs

Hybrid/Remote work opportunities

Professional development & CLE credits

Job summary

K&L Gates is seeking a Global Controller to lead worldwide accounting operations, shape financial direction, and partner with firm leadership to deliver robust controls and insights across 40+ offices. You will manage multi-entity, multi-currency reporting, compliance, and audits, while modernizing systems and processes in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Leadership ensures accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls; this role offers hybrid/remote work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting; CPA required (or equivalent).
• 10+ years in progressive accounting/financial management; at least 5 years in controller/senior role.
• 5+ years of people management experience.
• Experience in professional services, law firm, or partnership environment preferred.
• Experience managing complex multi-entity, multi-currency operations in global settings.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and multi-jurisdictional financial compliance, internal controls, and external audits.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the accounting function (GL, AP, AR/collections, payroll, treasury, financial reporting) across 40+ offices.
• Oversee timely preparation of financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and ensure jurisdictional compliance.
• Maintain accuracy of accounting records and implement internal controls and risk management frameworks.
• Lead international regulatory filings and local statutory audits; manage external audit process and remediation.
• Develop and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and best practices; drive process improvements and system optimization.
• Lead a team of 40+ accounting professionals across multiple countries with mentorship and development.
• Partner with CFO and FP&A on planning, analysis, and forecasting; provide business insights.
• Drive technology modernization in reporting, billing/collections, data analytics, and automation.
• Coordinate with other firm functions (benefits, HR, IT, marketing) on financial matters.
• Ensure proper reconciliation of all accounts, including trust accounts, with strict controls.
• Oversee day-to-day issue handling, reporting, and responses to non-recurring questions.
• Complete special projects as needed.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Multi-entity accounting

People management

Regulatory compliance

Financial reporting

Audits

Systems modernization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA required

CPA or equivalent

Tools

3E or Aderant

Oracle/SAP

Job description

Global Controller

Overview

In this role you will lead K&L Gates' worldwide accounting operations and shape the firm's financial direction. You partner with firm leadership to drive financial insight, operational excellence, and robust controls across 40+ offices. You will manage multi-entity, multi-currency reporting, compliance, and audits while modernizing systems and processes. Your leadership ensures accurate results, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls in a fast-paced professional services environment. This is an opportunity to impact global finance at a top-tier law firm.

Compensation / Benefits

• Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
• Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the accounting function (GL, AP, AR/collections, payroll, treasury, financial reporting) across 40+ offices
• Oversee timely preparation of financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and ensure jurisdictional compliance
• Maintain accuracy of accounting records and implement internal controls and risk management frameworks
• Lead international regulatory filings and local statutory audits; manage external audit process and remediation
• Develop and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and best practices; drive process improvements and system optimization
• Lead a team of 40+ accounting professionals across multiple countries with mentorship and development
• Partner with CFO and FP&A on planning, analysis, and forecasting; provide business insights
• Drive technology modernization in reporting, billing/collections, data analytics, and automation
• Coordinate with other firm functions (benefits, HR, IT, marketing) on financial matters
• Ensure proper reconciliation of all accounts, including trust accounts, with strict controls
• Oversee day-to-day issue handling, reporting, and responses to non-recurring questions
• Complete special projects as needed

Key requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting; CPA required (or equivalent)
• 10+ years in progressive accounting/financial management; at least 5 years in controller/senior role
• 5+ years of people management experience
• Experience in professional services, law firm, or partnership environment preferred
• Experience managing complex multi-entity, multi-currency operations in global settings
• Strong GAAP knowledge and multi-jurisdictional financial compliance, internal controls, and external audits
• Proficiency with enterprise Accounting and Billing & Collections systems (3E or Aderant); knowledge of Oracle/SAP is a plus
• Proven leadership, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills

• Leadership Excellence
• Strategic mindset
• Stakeholder management
• GAAP
• Internal controls
• External audit coordination