Controller

The Controller position is a hybrid of Accounting Management and Operations and works under the direction of and in cooperation with the Managing Partner and the Executive Director.

Direct reports:

1. Billing Coordinator
2. Bookkeeper

Essential Duties and Responsibilities, including but not limited to:

The primary responsibilities of the Controller include the management of financial accounting, preparation, and reporting, budget preparation, and project management. The Controller directs and/or performs the processing of all accounting functions including Billing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Bank Reconciliations, Fixed Assets, Financial Reporting, Case Cost Management, Vendor Management, Insurance Management and Expense Management. The Controller handles/manages daily accounting functions in coordination with the outsourced bookkeeping service and/or JKZ personnel, including but not limited to payroll, cash receipts, 401K administration, bank reconciliations, trust account management, partner distributions and capital calls if applicable, accounts payable, attorney origination credit approvals, case cost audits and reconciliations, and expense reimbursement.

Business and Strategic Planning ~30%

• Participates in the development of and supports the company’s strategic plans.
• Develops plan for maximize profit and growth, including strategies for adding new partners (non-equity and equity) including structure of partnership agreements, buy-in, capital account funding, etc.
• Analyzes current attorney, practice area and firm profitability to make recommendations for improvement/changes, provide quarterly reports to Managing Partner and Executive Director.

Accounting Management ~30%

• Prepares and/or assists Managing Partner and Executive Director in the preparation of an annual operating budgets and financial projections.
• Coordinates preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting and filing, including state and local tax filings when applicable.
• Interacts with third parties in matters pertaining to accounting issues.
• Assists outside CPA firm in the preparation of all year-end data and journal entries/tax return preparation.
• Manages bookkeeper and bookkeeping processes, whether using outside vendor for bookkeeping or JKZ Accounting Clerk, including accounts payable using bill.com platform or other bill pay platform, Concur expense software, bank and credit card reconciliations, bank account transfers, payroll, 401k funding, Forms 1099.
• Manages IOLTA and other trust account activities.
• Completes 401k yearly census and compliance documentation.
• Manages employee expense reimbursement program.
• Creates, manages, implements and maintains accounting policies and procedures.
• Reviews and implements process improvements to the daily operational workflow while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the underlying accounting records.
• Hires, trains, develops, manages and evaluates Accounting/Billing staff and relevant contractors.
• Performs various accounting projects as directed by the Managing Partner and the Executive Director.

Billing Supervisor ~30%

• Manages cashflow and monthly billing cycle.
• Supervises billing coordinator(s).
• Reviews and implements process improvements to the daily operational workflow, while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the underlying billing records.
• Oversees/performs daily bank deposits.
• Develops and implements billing procedures and processes.
• Develops attorney origination credit tracking and payment processes.
• Oversees collections, including processes related to filing for arbitration to collect outstanding fees, work with outside collection vendors, as necessary.

Operations Management –10%

• Makes recommendations for systems and other major purchases.
• Works with Office Services regarding vendors for supplies/purchasing.
• Develops policies and procedures in cooperation with the Managing Partner and Executive Director to ensure efficient functioning and interaction of all service departments.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent major, plus seven years’ accounting experience.
• Five years’ experience in a law firm or professional services firm environment.
• CPA designation preferred but not required.
• SHRM or equivalent certification preferred but not required.
• Proficient in the MS Office Suite with an emphasis on Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as experience with legal practice management, accounting, billing and financial software applications.
• Solid command of English including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form and style.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work well with a team and on your own.
• Positive attitude, intellectually curious, dependable and motivated.