CFO/Controller - Law Firm

Law Firm CFO/ControllerPosition Overview We are seeking an experienced Law Firm CFO/Controller to lead the finance and accounting function for a growing law practice. This role combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on accounting and operational managementresponsible for financial planning and analysis, timely and accurate financial reporting, cash and treasury management, billing and collections oversight, and maintaining compliance with regulatory and partner reporting requirements. The ideal candidate has strong legal industry or professional services experience, advanced accounting expertise, and proven leadership managing finance teams and systems.

Key ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic financial leadership and partner-level counsel on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and long-range strategy.

Oversee all accounting activities including month-end close, general ledger maintenance, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP.Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to firm leadership and partners, including profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow, and partner capital reports.

Manage billing, accounts receivable, and collections processes to optimize cash flow and reduce outstanding receivables; collaborate with practice groups on billing policies and write-offs.

Supervise accounts payable operations and payroll to ensure accurate, timely payments and compliance with firm policies and tax regulations.

Lead the annual audit and tax preparation processes; coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors and legal counsel to ensure compliance and minimize risk.

Develop and maintain partner compensation and equity accounting models; administer partner draws, distributions, and capital account reconciliations.

Implement and optimize finance and practice management systems (e.g., billing/practice management, ERP, reporting tools); lead process improvements and automation initiatives to increase efficiency and controls.

Establish and monitor financial controls, policies and procedures to safeguard assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce financial risk.

Manage, mentor and develop the finance and accounting team; set performance expectations, provide training, and ensure effective cross-functional collaboration.

Oversee treasury functions including cash management, banking relationships, lines of credit and investment policy to maintain liquidity and support operations.

Support M&A, office expansions, and other strategic projects with financial modeling, due diligence and integration planning when required.

QualificationsBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; CPA, CMA or equivalent strongly preferred.10+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience with at least 5 years in a senior controller or CFO role; prior law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred.

Deep technical knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, month-end close processes and audit/tax cycles (GAAP expertise).Proven experience managing accounts payable, accounts receivable/billing and collections in a professional services environment.

Demonstrated ability to prepare and present complex financial analyses and reports to partners and senior leadership.

Hands-on experience with law firm practice management and financial systems (examples: Aderant, Elite, Timeslips, NetSuite, QuickBooks, or comparable ERP and billing systems) and advanced Excel skills.

Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience developing teams, establishing controls and driving process improvements.

Exceptional communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively with equity partners, practice leaders and external advisors.

High degree of integrity and discretion handling sensitive partner and firm financial information.

Experience with partner compensation models, capital accounting and cash distribution processes preferred.

Ability to lead finance-related strategic initiatives including technology implementations, mergers/acquisitions and long-range financial planning.