Controller

Highly-rated boutique litigation law firm in Manhattan seeks a full-time, hands-on controller to effect accounting, financial management, payroll, tax, risk management, and vendor management responsibilities for both the firm and the two co-managing partners.  An excellent opportunity for an accounting firm CPA who wants a better lifestyle in a position in which they can make a significant contribution in an entrepreneurial environment.

The ideal candidate must be a highly organized self-starter, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.  The candidate must have excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, and must be able to work well with attorneys and staff at all levels.  The candidate must have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in accounting or finance (being a CPA is a plus, but not required) and 5+ years of experience in the internal accounting department of a professional services firm.  Experience working for a CPA firm and a law firm are preferred; experience working for a family office is a plus, but not required.  The candidate must also have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and advanced Excel skills.  Experience with ProLaw legal billing and accounting software, and QuickBooks and other accounting software, is preferred, but not required.  Experience with payroll reporting, retirement plan reporting, risk management (insurance policies), and vendor oversight and management are strongly preferred.

The controller will handle the following responsibilities for the firm and the two co-managing partners:

• Effect bookkeeping/maintenance of general ledger
• Prepare budgets and forecasts
• Prepare periodic financial statements, variance analyses, and special reports
• Manage monthly closings
• Coordinate client billing with attorneys, and manage accounts receivable, and credit and collections
• Monitor cash flow and manage cash disbursements and wire transfers
• Manage payroll and benefits
• Establish and maintain appropriate internal controls
• Identify and implement cost control initiatives
• Manage relationships with banks and brokerage firms
• Maintain and reconcile bank accounts
• Manage risk management (insurance policies)
• Manage vendors, vendor invoicing, and accounts payable
• Coordinate preparation and timely filing of tax returns and other governmental reports and filings with outside accountants
• Develop, document, communicate, and enforce policies and procedures relating to all financial functions and firm expense guidelines
• Ensure compliance with New York Bar trust accounting rules
• Manage assistant controller