This senior management-level position requires the performance and management of a variety of high-level accounting duties, a strong attention to detail, and the delivery of high-quality services to all firm personnel. The Controller position requires thorough knowledge of all firm and practice-specific processes and procedures, and they will be responsible for preparing and submitting reports and recommendations to the management committee regularly. Knowledge of information technology and accounting systems; client funds and IOLTA accounts; billing, e-billing and payment processes; required filings; and accounting staff management skills are required.
The Controller reports to the Executive Director and is a member of the firm’s Administrative Management Team. Responsible for all day-to-day Accounting Department functions and services, and other activities and initiatives as the position requires, partnering with and delegation to the Associate Accounting Manager as needed.
Responsibilities:
• Responsible for all firm accounting administration, including daily, weekly, and monthly functions and month-end and year-end closings and reporting.
• Supervision of Accounting Staff, including Associate Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist, Billing & Accounts Receivable Manager, and Accounting Administrator
• Manage reconciliations of all firm bank accounts
• Manage reconciliations of IOLTA and Client Fund accounts and maintain strict compliance with state bar regulations regarding these accounts
• Oversee firm billing and collection processes, and manage WIP and A/R
• Manage General Ledger, month-End reporting, and monthly reconciliations of all accounting ledgers
• Contribute to and assist HR with payroll processing, including implementation of staff and attorney compensation and bonus programs
• Work closely with outside accounting firm in preparation of year-end Financial Statements, Federal and State Tax Returns, Partner Schedule K-1’s, and other required tax filings
• Manage preparation of the firm’s annual financial budget; track and investigate monthly variances against budget
• Assist HR with management of the firm’s retirement and 401(k) tax deferred savings plans
• Document department procedures and suggest and implement improvements where needed
• Supervise, train and manage personnel on accounting systems and procedures
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• Minimum 15+ years of general accounting experience in a law firm environment
• Knowledge of SurePoint/LMS preferred; advanced Excel skills required
• Communication Skills: Ability to comprehend, draft and disseminate policies and instructions, complex documents, and correspondence; and ability to write and communicate concisely and effectively.
• Managerial and Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates effective team leadership skills, and the ability to prioritize and anticipate work requirements. Must be able to work well under periods of pressure and deadlines.
• Process Implementation and Improvement: Must be process oriented with an ability to utilize technology to add efficiency to processes.
With nearly 50 attorneys, we’re large enough to handle big, complicated transactions or disputes while small enough to provide responsive, cost-effective, senior level attention to every matter.
We have chosen to focus our legal services in four main departments – business law, commercial litigation, employment and real estate – via talented, experienced attorneys, many of whom previously practiced at large international or national firms. Our Real Estate Department features two of our fastest growing and dynamic practice areas – renewable energy and hospitality.
We offer a unique blend of experienced hands-on counsel, imaginative problem-solving, dedication to client service, and reasonable billing rates. We do not have a pyramid structure with high rate partners at the top and many associates at the bottom, so there is no pressure to “push work down” to keep large classes of associates busy.
Founded in Boston in 1945, Sherin and Lodgen maintains a strong presence in the Boston market, including one of the largest real estate departments in New England. We are proud of our Boston heritage and maintain robust connections throughout the city, through our leadership in bar and industry associations, community involvement, and pro bono work. Our national client base takes much of our work across state lines – representing real estate clients in national acquisition, development, and leasing and representing litigation clients before various state and federal courts.