Financial Controller for growing national injury law firm

Financial Controller

Job Description

A fast-growing law firm seeks a Financial Controller to join their dynamic team. The Financial Controller will hold a pivotal leadership position within Finance & Accounting Department, overseeing both Trust Accounting and Financial Accounting functions. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and regulatory compliance of all financial records, including the firm’s critical client trust accounts in accordance with State Bar trust accounting requirements.

This position will manage a growing accounting team, coordinate financial reporting, oversee cash flow reporting and forecasting, and implement effective internal controls while ensuring the highest ethical and professional standards are met in handling client funds and firm finances.

 

Responsibilities:

 

Financial Accounting & Reporting (40%)

• Manage daily financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and monthly closing processes.
• Prepare timely (within 7 business days), accurate, and insightful financial statements and operational reports for internal management, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Partner with the CFO to develop budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections to support firm growth and financial health.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal and state tax laws, and internal financial policies.
• Oversee financial audits, tax filings, and periodic regulatory reviews.
• Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls and accounting procedures to safeguard firm assets and financial data integrity.
• Partner with 3rd party CPA firms by accurate data for timely tax filings
• Manage biweekly payroll processing by partnering with HR

 

 

Trust Accounting & Settlement Management (50%)

• Oversee all client trust accounts in strict adherence to State Bar Rules (Safekeeping Funds and Property of Clients and Other Persons).
• Ensure timely, compliant handling of settlement funds, lien payments, client disbursements, and third-party payments.
• Monitor daily trust account balances and transactions to prevent co-mingling, overdrafts, or misallocations.
• Manage monthly reconciliation of all trust ledgers, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Work closely with case managers, attorneys, and settlement coordinators to manage financial disbursements and ensure proper documentation of all transactions.
• Maintain detailed trust accounting records, ledgers, and audit-ready files for every client matter.

 

 

Financial Operations Leadership (10%)

• Supervise and mentor the accounting and finance team, providing leadership, training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with firm leadership, case management, and operations teams to streamline financial workflows, improve settlement processes, and enhance financial reporting.
• Evaluate and implement financial systems, internal controls and accounting technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Develop and enforce financial and operational policies and procedures to support business growth and legal industry best practices.
• Assist the CFO in preparing and reporting companywide KPI dashboard
• Support CFO with FP&A and adhoc projects

 

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA license (Active/ Inactive)
• Minimum 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including financial statement preparation and trust accounting.
• Minimum of 3 years of accounting leadership experience within a law firm, personal injury firm, or contingency-based business model.
• Strong knowledge of trust accounting rules and requirements for law firms.
• Hands-on experience managing client trust accounts, disbursements, and settlements.
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., QuickBooks,) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and written/verbal communication skills.

 

Salary

• $170 - $225,000/k