Global Controller | Multinational Law Firm Finance Leader

K&L Gates LLP incorporated; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Relocation

Job summary

K&L Gates is seeking a Global Controller to lead worldwide accounting operations, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, and internal controls across 40+ offices. You will partner with senior leaders, drive policy development, and oversee a large international accounting team.

Strong GAAP knowledge and multi-entity expertise are essential. The role reports to the CFO; responsibilities include overseeing audits, improving processes, and driving technology modernization in accounting systems.

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; at least 5 years of experience as a manager 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 (3E or Aderant). Other system 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
• 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 board, senior leadership, and external partners
• Accustomed to working as a team leader and member
• Possess excellent interpersonal, supervisory and management accomplishments
• Demonstrate outstanding skills in accounting, reporting, internal control, budgeting, and computerized accounting systems
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills; and demonstrated ability to meet obligations with confidentiality, integrity, and sensitivity

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
• 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
• Lead a team of more than 40 accounting professionals, including staff in multiple countries; provide mentorship, performance management, and career development, including evaluations and salary recommendations
• 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
• Ensure professional development and career guidance are available to direct reports and their teams.
• Complete special projects as needed

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA

Tools

GAAP knowledge

3E/Aderant experience

External audit coordination

Job description

K&L Gates is seeking a Global Controller to lead worldwide accounting operations, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, and internal controls across 40+ offices. You will partner with senior leaders, drive policy development, and oversee a large international accounting team.

Strong GAAP knowledge and multi-entity expertise are essential. The role reports to the CFO; responsibilities include overseeing audits, improving processes, and driving technology modernization in accounting systems.