Legal Staff Other in Irvine, CA

Law Firm

Irvine, CA

Legal Staff Other in Irvine, CA

Legal Staff

7-10 yrs required

No

Controller

Description

Position Summary:

The Law Firm Controller operates under the guidance of the CFO and is responsible for managing daily accounting operations, which include budgeting, maintaining the general ledger, and ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. This role involves developing financial strategies and providing data analysis to assist the CFO in strategic decision-making, thereby maintaining the financial health of the law firm. The Controller plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of financial records and implementing internal controls.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations:
- Manage the accounting department, including accounts payable and general ledger.
- Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures.
- Establish and monitor internal controls to protect the firm’s assets and prevent errors.
- Oversee the month-end and year-end close process.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:
- Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Analyze financial data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends and recommend strategic adjustments.
- Oversee the general ledger and ensure proper reconciliation of accounts.
- Identify areas of cost savings.

Budgeting and Forecasting:
- Assist with the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads and executive management.
- Develop financial forecasts, including cash flow projections and scenario modeling.
- Monitor variances against the budget and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Trust and Client Accounting:
- Ensure strict compliance with IOLTA and other client trust fund rules and regulations.
- Oversee trust accounts, reconciliations, and trust-related disbursements and deposits.
- Work with attorneys and billing staff to maintain accurate client ledgers.

Compliance and Risk Management:
- Maintain compliance with applicable city tax/state tax laws and regulations.
- Work with firm leadership to establish and monitor internal controls and risk mitigation strategies.

Team Leadership and Development:
- Manage and develop the accounting team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
- Implement systems, processes, and technologies to increase department efficiency.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Initiatives:
- Support mergers, acquisitions, lateral hires, and other growth initiatives with financial due diligence and analysis.
- Evaluate financial software systems and recommend enhancements or upgrades.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The law firm provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type

Full-Time, Exempt

Work Location

Hybrid

Work Schedule

8:30am - 5:30pm Monday-Friday. Occasional weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

Primarily sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading. Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials. Work can be performed with or without accommodations.

Travel

10-20% domestic travel by car and plane.

Requirements

Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required)
- CPA or MBA (preferred)

Experience:
- 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management
- 3+ years in a leadership role within a law firm or professional services environment
- Deep understanding of law firm accounting principles, including timekeeping, trust accounting, and client billing structures

Skills:
- Proficiency in legal accounting software (., Aderant, Elite 3E, ProLaw, Clio)
- Strong Microsoft Excel and financial modeling skills
- Familiarity with e-billing platforms and legal client guidelines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- High degree of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Salary Description

$170,000-240,000