Position Overview The Chief Financial Officer will be a full-time, responsible for all aspects of financial management, strategic planning, and accounting operations. This role requires a hands-on leader with deep accounting expertise who can oversee day-to-day financial operations while also serving as a trusted strategic advisor to firm leadership. The CFO will report directly to the Executive Committee. Key Responsibilities Accounting Operations. The CFO will take a hands-on role in the firm's accounting function, working closely with the Accounting Manager and team to ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial reporting. This includes oversight of the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, trust accounting, and partner capital and compensation accounting. The successful candidate will bring strong accounting depth, serve as a working leader in this area, support the team in day-to-day accounting matters, strengthen processes and controls, and build appropriate redundancy within the function. Billing and Collections. The billing and collections team will report to the CFO, who will provide executive oversight and support to the team leader in driving strong work-in-progress management, timely billing, and improved collections cycle times. This includes monitoring key performance metrics, partnering with firm leadership and attorneys to address billing bottlenecks, supporting best practices across the billing and collections process, and helping optimize the firm's cash flow. Financial Leadership and Strategy. The CFO will develop and execute the firm's financial strategy in alignment with the goals set by the Executive Committee and Board. This includes long-range financial planning, annual budgeting, profitability analysis, human resource financial modeling, and capital allocation recommendations. The CFO will attend Board and Executive Committee meetings and present regular financial updates, forecasts, and strategic recommendations. Financial Reporting and Internal Controls. The CFO will be responsible for producing accurate and timely financial statements and management reports for the Executive Committee, Board, partners and Tax Accountants. The role includes maintaining a strong internal control environment, overseeing the annual tax process, managing the relationship with the firm's external tax accountants, and ensuring compliance with all applicable tax and regulatory obligations. People Management and Team Development. The CFO will directly manage the accounting, billing, and collections staff, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities. A key priority in this role is building bench strength and cross-training within the finance team to ensure continuity of operations and reduce key-person risk. Technology and Systems. The CFO will evaluate and oversee the firm's financial systems, including the practice management and billing platform, general ledger system, and reporting tools. The role includes identifying opportunities to leverage technology and AI to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the quality of financial information available to firm leadership. Cash Management and Banking. The CFO will oversee the firm's cash management, banking relationships, line of credit, and partner distribution processes, ensuring adequate liquidity to support operations and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- CPA designation.
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience preferably at a Law or Professional Services firm.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and financial statement preparation.
- Demonstrated experience managing and developing finance and accounting teams.
- Experience managing financial operations across multiple office locations.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders, including partners and board members.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with legal industry billing practices, including hourly billing, alternative fee arrangements, and trust accounting requirements.
- Experience with legal practice management and billing systems with experience with Orion a plus.
Location This is a full-time, on-site position based at the firm's primary office in Atlanta, GA. The CFO is expected to be present in the office daily, with periodic travel to the firm's other offices as needed. Interested candidates should submit their resume to careers@wwhgd.com
Pay:
$175,000.00 - $225,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person