Global Controller: Lead Global Finance & Compliance

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

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