Friedman Williams
Controller Cincinnati OH
Job ID: 21073
Controller – Legal Industry
Our client, an established and highly respected professional services organization is seeking an experienced Controller to join its leadership team. This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to work closely with executive leadership, influence strategic financial decisions, and help drive the continued growth and operational excellence of a sophisticated, multi-office organization.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will oversee all aspects of accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury management, budgeting support, tax coordination, internal controls, and financial analysis. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strong technical accounting expertise, strategic business acumen, and proven leadership experience within a fast-paced professional services or law firm environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the firm’s accounting and finance operations, including financial reporting, general ledger management, accounts payable, treasury, banking relationships, and trust accounting functions.
• Partner closely with executive leadership to provide financial analysis, operational insights, budgeting support, and strategic recommendations.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets, forecasts, and expense management initiatives.
• Drive process improvements and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures across the organization.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of financial reports, management reporting packages, and partnership reporting.
• Collaborate with leadership across offices and departments to support operational and strategic initiatives.
• Manage tax planning coordination, regulatory compliance, and related federal, state, and local tax matters.
• Lead the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Support partner compensation, capital contribution, and draw arrangement processes.
• Oversee business insurance administration and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders regarding coverage and risk management.
• Mentor, develop, and lead a high-performing accounting and finance team.
• Participate in special projects, growth initiatives, and operational improvement efforts as needed.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA required.
• MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive accounting, finance, and management experience.
• Prior experience within a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, tax principles, budgeting, and operational accounting.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with executive leadership and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and partners.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting and finance teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to operate effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience with financial and accounting systems; exposure to Aderant Expert and budgeting platforms such as Xcelerate is a plus.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, collaboration, and client service orientation.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic and hands-on accounting leader seeking a long-term leadership role with a dynamic and growing organization that values collaboration, operational excellence, and professional development.
If you are interested in this opportunity or any other potential role throughout the US, or just want to have an initial conversation, please do not hesitate to reach out to James Martinos on 732-965-1094 and/or jmartinos@friedmanwilliams.com for a confidential discussion!