Controller

*Controller*

*Position Summary*

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the daily accounting operations of the Legal Management Services Organization (MSO) and ensuring the accurate and timely completion of the full accounting cycle for multiple law firm entities. This role includes accounts payable functions, bank reconciliations, general ledger activities, and the preparation and review of monthly financial and management reports.

The Controller must possess extensive accounting experience, strong technical expertise, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex financial operations across multiple entities. This position supports operational efficiency, maintains strong internal controls, and ensures compliance with accounting standards, applicable regulations, and firm policies.

*Key Responsibilities*

*Full Accounting Cycle*

* Oversee and actively participate in all aspects of the full accounting cycle, including:
* Accounts payable
* General ledger maintenance
* Journal entries
* Account reconciliations
* Month-end close
* Financial reporting
* Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and on a timely basis for multiple entities and cost centers.
* Maintain and reconcile balance sheet accounts and supporting schedules.
* Ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of accounting records across entities.

*Accounts Payable*

* Oversee and participate in the accounts payable process, including invoice review, coding, approvals, and payment processing.
* Ensure vendor payments are processed accurately and within deadlines.
* Resolve vendor discrepancies and maintain organized AP documentation.
* Monitor expenses and ensure proper allocation across entities or departments.

*Bank & Trust Account Reconciliations*

* Perform and review monthly bank reconciliations.
* Oversee and assist with reconciliations related to operating and client trust/IOLTA accounts, ensuring compliance with applicable legal industry requirements.
* Investigate and resolve reconciling items in a timely manner.

*Settlement Administration*

* Assist with and oversee the financial administration and tracking of legal settlements.
* Review and reconcile settlement disbursements, escrow activity, and related transactions.
* Coordinate with attorneys, case managers, and operations teams to ensure accurate allocation and recording of settlement funds.
* Maintain detailed records and supporting documentation for settlement activity.
* Support compliance with client trust accounting requirements and internal controls related to settlement funds.
* Assist in preparing and reviewing settlement-related financial reports and reconciliations.

*Financial Reporting & Month-End Close*

* Oversee and participate in preparing monthly financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules.
* Coordinate and support month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
* Prepare and review variance analyses and account explanations for management review.
* Assist leadership with budgeting support and financial data analysis as needed.

*Compliance & Internal Controls*

* Maintain compliance with accounting policies, internal controls, and applicable legal industry financial regulations.
* Support external audits, tax preparation, and compliance reporting.
* Ensure confidentiality and accuracy of sensitive financial information.
* Identify accounting discrepancies, financial risks, and opportunities for process improvement.

*Lender Reporting & Covenant Compliance*

* Prepare and maintain supporting calculations for financial covenant ratios.
* Maintain quarterly work-in-progress (WIP) schedules in coordination with case management.
* Assemble and deliver quarterly and annual lender reporting packages.
* Oversee cash concentration account activities and related reconciliations.
* Manage insurance certificate documentation and required lender endorsements.
* Identify and promptly escalate potential covenant-triggering events.
* Maintain MSO separateness and accurate intercompany allocations and reconciliations across entities.

*Qualifications & Requirements*

* *Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is mandatory.*
* Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required
* *Minimum of 7 years of progressive professional accounting experience*, including substantial experience with full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and account reconciliations.
* *Demonstrated experience in a Controller, Accounting Manager, or comparable senior-level accounting role*, with significant responsibility for financial operations and accounting accuracy.
* Strong knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting procedures, financial reporting,