Controller

We are an established and respected law firm serving clients throughout the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. region. For decades, we have built our reputation on sophisticated legal representation, strong client relationships, and a practical, business-minded approach to serving our clients. Our attorneys handle a diverse range of matters, including commercial real estate, business transactions, litigation, estates and trusts, technology, alternative dispute resolution, zoning and land use, and representation of state and local entities.

About the role

This newly created Controller and/or CFO position represents an important addition to the firm's leadership structure and provides an opportunity for an experienced financial professional to have a meaningful voice in the firm's future. This individual will serve as the firm's senior financial leader, partnering directly with firm leadership while overseeing the Accounting Department and the firm's financial operations.

Why join us?

• Make an Impact + Have a Voice: The Controller/CFO will have direct visibility to firm leadership and will play an important role in shaping the firm's financial strategy and future growth.
• Strategic + Hands-On: The role combines accounting leadership, financial reporting, FP&A, cash management, forecasting, and strategic decision-making while remaining connected to the accounting operation.
• Partner Directly With Leadership: Work closely with the Partners and Office Administrator/COO, providing financial insight and recommendations that influence staffing, profitability, investments, compensation, and growth.
• Build + Improve: Opportunity to build and enhance financial reporting, dashboards, KPIs, budgeting, forecasting, and internal processes rather than maintaining the status quo.
• Lead + Develop a Team: Oversee and develop the Accounting Department while helping establish efficient, collaborative, and service-oriented financial operations.
• Join an Established + Growing Firm: Be part of a respected, established law firm with a long history in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. market while shaping its next stage of growth.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership + Reporting

• Oversee the firm's accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to firm leadership.
• Prepare weekly cash position reports covering cash balances, collections, anticipated receipts, and significant upcoming expenditures.
• Develop financial dashboards and KPIs related to profitability, collections, realization, cash flow, and overall firm performance.
• Monitor liquidity and identify financial risks and opportunities.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decisions.

FP&A + Strategic Finance

• Develop forecasts, budgets, reporting tools, and performance metrics.
• Analyze profitability, staffing, compensation, and strategic investments.
• Partner with the Partners and COO/Office Administrator on financial and operational initiatives.
• Enhance budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning as the firm continues to grow.

Accounting Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Department.
• Oversee billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and related functions.
• Improve accounting processes, workflows, and internal controls.
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented accounting environment.

Trust Accounting + Compliance

• Oversee trust/IOLTA accounting and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Ensure compliance with tax, audit, and financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with outside accountants, auditors, banking partners, and other advisors.
• Maintain strong financial controls and accounting policies.

Technology + Process Improvement

• Optimize accounting, billing, and financial systems.
• Ensure data integrity across accounting, billing, and reporting platforms.
• Identify opportunities for automation and improved reporting.
• Leverage emerging technology and AI-powered tools to improve accounting operations and financial analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Prior law firm or professional services experience.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and accounting operations.
• Experience managing and developing accounting professionals.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders and firm leadership.

Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• Experience with legal accounting platforms such as Orion, Aderant, Elite, Tabs3, or similar systems.
• Strong knowledge of trust/IOLTA accounting.
• Experience developing financial dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools.
• Experience implementing process improvements or new financial systems.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($150,000 - $185,000 per year).
• Performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• 401(k).
• Executive leave program.
• Professional development opportunities.