Controller

About the role

Stampone O'Brien Dilsheimer Holloway is a distinguished personal injury law firm based in Philadelphia, specializing in catastrophic accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. The Controller will oversee all financial operations, ensuring compliance with trust accounting regulations and supporting strategic decision-making in a growing, mission-driven firm.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations: accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
• Manage and reconcile client trust accounts (IOLTA) in strict compliance with state bar regulations.
• Oversee case cost accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of advanced litigation costs per case/client matter.
• Coordinate settlement disbursement processing, including verification of liens, medical bills, attorney fees, and net client proceeds.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for partners/ownership.
• Develop and manage the firm's annual operating budget; monitor variances and provide recommendations.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, accounting for the irregular timing of contingency fee revenue, including settlement-driven revenue timing.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local tax filings and regulatory requirements; coordinate with outside CPA firms for tax preparation and annual financial audits/reviews.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard firm and client assets from risk and fraud.
• Supervise, train, and mentor accounting/bookkeeping staff, including a part-time bookkeeper as applicable.
• Analyze firm profitability by practice area, referral source, or case type to support strategic decision-making.
• Manage firm's banking relationships, lines of credit, and any case cost financing arrangements.
• Support partner compensation calculations and distributions.
• Recommend and implement process improvements and accounting system upgrades, including participation in technological advancements and modern financial systems.

Requirements

• 10–15 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 5 years in a law firm environment; personal injury or plaintiff-side litigation experience is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools; experience with QuickBooks Online and legal practice management/accounting software such as Filevine, Litify, Needles, Clio, PCLaw, or similar.
• Demonstrated expertise in trust accounting and IOLTA compliance requirements, with strong knowledge of GAAP and case cost/disbursement accounting methodologies.
• Experience managing firm budgets, cash flow forecasting (including settlement-driven revenue timing), and financial audits.
• Strong leadership skills with experience supervising, training, and mentoring accounting/bookkeeping staff.
• Excellent communication skills to interface with partners, attorneys, outside auditors, and tax preparers.
• High degree of integrity and discretion given the handling of client trust funds and settlement proceeds.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) plan with firm matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off policies to promote work-life balance.
• Performance-based bonuses linked to firm achievements and personal goals.
• Potential for one remote workday per week.

Pay

Base Salary: $120,000 – $160,000+ annually (figures may vary based on firm size, geographic market, and firm revenue).