Strategic Law Firm Controller with Trust & Billing

CFS; Cranberry Township (Butler County); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in Cranberry, PA is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee the firm’s accounting and financial operations. The role partners with leadership, attorneys, and admin teams to maintain financial health and ensure compliance with IOLTA/trust accounting requirements.

The ideal candidate brings extensive accounting management experience in professional services, strong attention to detail, and expertise in legal billing, WIP, and distributions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience.
• Prior Controller, Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or similar leadership experience.
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of legal billing, WIP, collections, and trust/IOLTA accounting preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with accounting software and financial reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the firm's day-to-day accounting and financial operations.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, management reports, and financial forecasts.
• Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and oversee account reconciliations.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and billing functions.
• Oversee attorney and client billing processes, including reviewing WIP, collections, and outstanding receivables.
• Monitor cash flow and provide financial reporting and analysis to firm leadership.
• Oversee IOLTA/client trust accounting and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and firm policies.
• Manage trust account reconciliations and client funds activity.
• Support attorney compensation, partner distributions, and other financial allocations.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate with external accountants and auditors as needed.
• Prepare information required for tax filings, audits, and other regulatory requirements.
• Monitor operating expenses and identify opportunities to improve financial processes and controls.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to firm leadership.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting/finance staff.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Accounting software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Accounting software suites

Job description

CFS in Cranberry, PA is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee the firm’s accounting and financial operations. The role partners with leadership, attorneys, and admin teams to maintain financial health and ensure compliance with IOLTA/trust accounting requirements.

The ideal candidate brings extensive accounting management experience in professional services, strong attention to detail, and expertise in legal billing, WIP, and distributions.