The Controller is responsible for managing the Firm’s finances.  Job responsibilities include a wide variety of administrative, accounting, and bookkeeping duties; analyzing and calculating attorney compensation; managing the Firm’s bank relationships and accounts, including its client trust account; processing Firm payroll; coordinating with the Firm’s accountants on tax issues; and assisting with billing, collection, insurance, and other issues.  

The following is a partial list of essential functions.  The Controller must be able to perform these functions unassisted.

1. Managing the day-to-day Firm finances, including:

• Monitoring, managing, and reconciling bank accounts, including the Firm’s attorney-client trust account.
• Supervising the billing coordinator and accounts payable clerk.
• Monitoring, managing, and assisting with Firm billing processes.
• Preparing various financial analyses at the request of the CFO or Firm shareholders.

2. Processing bi-weekly and shareholder distribution payrolls through the Firm’s payroll provider and coordinating / analyzing various payroll-related reports.

3. Calculating all timekeeper bonuses, including shareholder distributions and compensation to timekeepers on hours-based and formula-based models.

4. Establishing and maintaining internal controls.

5. Assisting in renewals for all Firm insurance, including health group insurance professional liability, cybersecurity, and general liability.

6. Coordinating with outside accountants regarding tax and related issues.

7. Assistance with all banking issues.

8. Tax responsibilities

• Preparing and filing City, County, and State business-related tax returns.
• Coordinating the timely preparation by outside accountants of income tax returns and related documents (W-2s, 1099s, K1s, etc.).

Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in accounting or a financial-related area.

Minimum of ten years’ experience and substantial relevant experience in a law firm setting.

Ability to deal with deadlines, including year-end deadlines, and work under pressure.

Financial analytical and management skills.

Familiarity and experience with banking processes.

Personnel management skills, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Proficiency with payroll, ideally using Paychex.

Proficiency with law firm accounting software and unique law firm accounting requirements, ideally using Rippe Kingston (SurePoint).

Highly proficient in MS Office, including advanced Excel skills.