Job Title: Director of Accounting/Controller
Job Responsibilities:
The Director of Accounting/Controller at the law firm is entrusted with the comprehensive financial management of the organization. The individual occupying this role will undergo training to eventually assume the position of Controller upon the retirement of the current Controller. Key responsibilities include overseeing and directing all general accounting functions such as the chart of accounts, general ledger management, billing process, cash receipts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, petty cash, bank reconciliations, and client trust funds. The Director is also tasked with establishing and maintaining robust internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure accurate transaction accounting, and promote operational efficiency across the Accounting Department and the entire law firm.
The role involves responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the computerized accounting system, managing primary banking relationships, and overseeing cash projections. The Director supervises payroll functions, coordinates employee payroll matters with the Personnel Department, and coordinates the annual independent audit of the law firm's financial records. Additionally, the Director ensures the maintenance of retention files for the required period and is responsible for the timely submission of all local, state, and federal tax reports.
The Director assists the Chief Financial Officer and the Management Committee in financial management and analysis as needed and maintains awareness of tax issues and accounting to coordinate with a CPA firm. Physical presence in a law firm office is deemed an essential duty, although some remote work might be agreed upon.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
The ideal candidate must possess a comprehensive understanding of accounting and financial management principles to effectively oversee the financial health of the law firm. A high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and impeccable integrity in personal and fiduciary matters are essential. The Director should exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities with a sense of urgency, and the capacity to manage multiple projects and timelines efficiently. A professional presence is required to interact with all levels of management, attorneys, and staff, and the ability to concentrate and perform complex, detailed financial analysis for up to 100% of work time is essential. Additionally, the role may occasionally require working more than 40 hours per week to perform essential duties.
Education and Experience Information:
Candidates for the Director of Accounting/Controller position must possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or an equivalent field. A minimum of seven years of related work experience is required. While a CPA or MBA is preferred, it is not mandatory. Experience in financial and internal control auditing is a plus, and familiarity with law firms and Aderant systems is beneficial but not required.
Salary Information:
The text does not provide specific salary information for the Director of Accounting/Controller position.
Working Conditions:
The role is based in a normal office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise, dust, extreme temperatures, and similar conditions. The position requires compliance with the law firm's information privacy and security requirements, including adherence to the acceptable use policy dictated by laws, regulations, professional standards, and marketplace demands.
Additional Information:
The job description is intended to outline the general content and requirements for the position and is not an exhaustive list of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. All employees must comply with the law firm's information privacy and security standards. Candidates must provide minimum authorization to work in the United States, and resumes are accepted only for the posted job. The law firm is an equal opportunity employer, ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.
