Position Summary
The Controller will serve as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting functions of the firm. This individual will lead financial planning, budgeting, analysis, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with legal industry-specific financial requirements, including accounting, billing arrangements, and client fund management. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in law firm finance-ideally with an understanding of Intellectual Property practices-and is comfortable managing both strategic and hands-on responsibilities.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
- CPA or MBA preferred.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or senior finance role within a law firm.
- Strong understanding of law firm operations, ideally within an IP-focused environment.
- Experience with IOLTA trust accounting and compliance.
- Familiarity with IP-specific billing structures and cost tracking (USPTO fees, PCT filings, annuities, etc. preferred.
- Proficiency in legal accounting and billing software (e.g., Aderant, Elite, ProLaw, Tabs3) preferred.
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
- Experience with budgeting, financial planning, and KPI dashboards.