Friedman Williams
Controller Washington DC
Job ID: 21557
Controller Law Firm
A well-established law firm is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations in their Washington DC office. This is an excellent opportunity for a proven law firm finance professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and assume greater leadership responsibility. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader who can manage and develop an accounting team, partner closely with firm leadership, and ideally bring international or multi-office financial experience.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the firms day-to-day accounting and financial operations.
Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
Direct monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
Ensure accurate financial reporting, general ledger activity, reconciliations, and financial statements.
Partner with firm leadership on budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
Oversee cash management, banking activities, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and related accounting functions.
Support financial operations across multiple offices and international entities, including currency and intercompany activity as applicable.
Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures.
Support audit and tax processes and coordinate with external advisors.
Analyze financial results and provide meaningful reporting and recommendations to firm leadership.
Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, systems, reporting, and operational efficiency.
Serve as a key resource for the firms financial systems and technology.
Partner with attorneys, administrative leadership, and other departments to resolve financial issues and support business objectives.
Participate in special projects and strategic financial initiatives.
Qualifications
815 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing accounting professionals.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team and establish accountability.
Demonstrated experience with law firm accounting and financial operations.
Elite 3E experience strongly preferred.
International or multi-office accounting experience highly desirable, including exposure to foreign offices, multi-currency transactions, intercompany activity, or international financial reporting.
Strong knowledge of general ledger, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and internal controls.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with attorneys, senior leadership, and staff.
Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA preferred.
Hands-on, collaborative leadership style with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced professional services environment.
Ideal Background: This opportunity is particularly well suited for a strong Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or similar law firm finance professional who has approximately 815 years of progressive experience and is ready to step into a Controller-level leadership role. Candidates with Elite 3E, international/multi-office experience, and a proven track record of managing and developing teams will be especially attractive.
For immediate consideration for this or any other opportunity please email your MS Word resume to jmartinos@friedmanwilliams.com and call James Martinos on 732-965-1094.