Global Controller

K&L Gates; United States; Hybrid; USD 201,000 - 402,000; Full time

Job summary

K&L Gates seeks a Global Controller to lead the firm’s worldwide accounting operations and provide strategic direction across more than 40 offices. You will oversee general ledger, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, and internal controls while partnering with firm leadership to drive performance.

Reporting to the CFO, you will manage a dispersed team, implement accounting policies, and support strategic initiatives through analytics, process improvements, and system modernization across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required (or equivalent professional qualification).
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a controller or senior equivalent role; with responsibilities for leading and supervising accounting and finance personnel.
• Experience in professional services, law firm, or other partnership environment desired.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-entity, multi-currency accounting operations in a global or international environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of GAAP and multi-jurisdictional financial compliance, internal controls, and external audit processes.
• Proficiency with enterprise Accounting and Billing & Collections systems (Elite 3E or Aderant). Other systems knowledge a plus (Oracle, SAP, or similar).
• Proven leadership capabilities, including experience building, developing, and managing high-performing accounting teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to align accounting operations with firm strategy and business objectives.
• Leadership Excellence: Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and drive accountability across teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the accounting function, including general ledger management, accounts payable, collections/accounts receivable, payroll, treasury/cash management, and financial reporting across more than 40 offices globally.
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows, ensuring compliance with local statutory and other financial reporting standards in various jurisdictions as well as modified cash basis at the firmwide level.
• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of accounting records.
• Establish, implement, and monitor internal controls and risk management frameworks; conduct periodic assessments and maintain comprehensive control documentation.
• Lead international financial compliance initiatives, including regulatory filings in multiple jurisdictions and local statutory audits.
• Manage the annual external audit process, serve as primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee audit remediation activities.
• Develop and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and best practices across the firm; drive continuous process improvements and system optimization.
• Oversee and manage the liquidity needs of the firm across the global footprint.
• Coordinate with the global accounting teams, ensuring consistency in accounting processes and procedures; partner with CFO and FP&A on financial planning & forecasting.
• Drive technology modernization, including financial reporting, billing and collections system enhancements, data analytics capabilities, and accounting automation initiatives.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Multi-entity accounting

Leadership

Communication

Change management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Tools

Elite 3E

Aderant

Oracle

SAP

Job description

The Global Controller leads the firm’s worldwide accounting operations and is responsible for the strategic direction, management, and oversight of all accounting, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, accounts payables, collections, and financial controls. This role ensures the integrity of the firm's financial results, compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and the effectiveness of internal controls across more than 40 offices globally.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Global Controller serves as a key business partner to firm leadership, providing financial insight, driving operational excellence, and leading a geographically dispersed team of accounting professionals. The Global Controller is responsible for developing and implementing accounting policies, optimizing financial processes and systems, supporting strategic initiatives, and fostering a high-performing accounting organization.

The Global Controller also works with lawyers, department heads, outside consultants and other parties.

This is a hybrid position and may be based in any of our U.S. office locations, including Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Durham, NC; Harrisburg, PA; Houston, TX; Irvine, CA; Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Nashville, TN; New York, NY; Newark, NJ; Palo Alto, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Raleigh, NC; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; and Wilmington, DE.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the accounting function, including general ledger management, accounts payable, collections/accounts receivable, payroll, treasury/cash management, and financial reporting across more than 40 offices globally
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows, ensuring compliance with local statutory and other financial reporting standards in various jurisdictions as well as modified cash basis at the firmwide level
• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of accounting records
• Establish, implement, and monitor internal controls and risk management frameworks; conduct periodic assessments and maintain comprehensive control documentation
• Lead international financial compliance initiatives, including regulatory filings in multiple jurisdictions and local statutory audits
• Manage the annual external audit process, serve as primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee audit remediation activities
• Develop and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and best practices across the firm; drive continuous process improvements and system optimization
• Oversee and manage the liquidity needs of the firm across the global footprint
• Monitor compliance and prepare reporting related to firm’s line-of-credit covenants
• Facilitate the renewal of the firm’s insurance policies
• Lead a team of more than 40 accounting professionals, including personnel in multiple countries; provide mentorship, performance management, and career development guidance and opportunities
• Take primary lead in coordinating with the global accounting teams, ensuring consistency in accounting processes and procedures
• Partner with CFO, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, and others on financial planning, financial analysis, and forecasting; provide insights on financial performance and business drivers
• Drive technology modernization, including financial reporting, billing and collections system enhancements, data analytics capabilities, and accounting automation initiatives
• Lead and/or participate in discussions with partners, office managers, and department heads/managers
• Evaluate accounting-related activities; respond to day-to-day concerns; resolve existing or anticipated problems; research and respond to non-recurring questions; prepare appropriate reports; and help ensure the firm adheres to all requirements relating to accounting and financial reporting
• Ensure the accounting department coordinates with and provides support regarding financial matters to other organizations in the firm, including, but not limited to, the firm’s benefits department, human resources, technology, and marketing & business development
• Ensure all accounts, including trust accounts, are properly reconciled and managed with strict internal controls
• Complete special projects as needed

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required (or equivalent professional qualification)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a controller or senior equivalent role; with responsibilities for leading and supervising accounting and finance personnel
• Experience in professional services, law firm, or other partnership environment desired
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-entity, multi-currency accounting operations in a global or international environment
• Strong technical knowledge of GAAP and multi-jurisdictional financial compliance, internal controls, and external audit processes
• Proficiency with enterprise Accounting and Billing & Collections systems (Elite 3E or Aderant). Other systems knowledge a plus (Oracle, SAP, or similar)
• Proven leadership capabilities, including experience building, developing, and managing high-performing accounting teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to align accounting operations with firm strategy and business objectives
• Leadership Excellence: Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and drive accountability across teams
• Change Management: Comfort driving process improvements, system implementations, and organizational change; and excellent soft skills to influence or challenge senior stakeholders
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing priorities
• Integrity & Compliance Mindset: Unwavering commitment to accuracy, transparency, and ethical practices
• Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills with senior leadership and external partners
• Accustomed to working as a team leader and member
• Possess excellent interpersonal, supervisory and management accomplishments
• Outstanding skills in accounting, reporting, internal control, budgeting, and financial systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and demonstrated ability to meet obligations with confidentiality, integrity, and sensitivity

Working Conditions

• Typical professional office environment
• Any information contained on this form represents the usual method of accomplishing the duties assigned to this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in appropriate circumstances which may vary depending on the needs of an individual with a disability, it is impossible to describe in advance specific accommodations that will be considered.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts the firm’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Information provided represents the usual method of accomplishing the duties in this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in appropriate circumstances.

Compensation Salary $200,946 - $401,888/year

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.