Controller

Location: Buffalo, NY, Tampa, FL or fully remote (with limited travel) (Eastern time zone preferred) 

Gerber Ciano Kelly Brady LLP is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the firm's financial operations and reporting functions. This role requires hands-on expertise with legal practice management/billing systems and a strong background in law firm financial management, including trust accounting, client billing, and firm-wide financial reporting. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented finance leader who can manage day-to-day accounting operations while also partnering with firm leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. Experience with Aderant required. SQL and SSRS reporting is preferred but not required for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and trust accounting.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to firm leadership and partners.
• Work with the COO and firm management to develop financial metrics, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate firm performance.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, profitability, realization rates, utilization rates, and working capital.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting activities.
• Provide financial modeling and analysis to support strategic initiatives and partner decision-making.
• Monitor departmental and practice area budgets and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Cash Management & Treasury

• Manage firm cash flow, banking relationships, and treasury functions.
• Oversee collections and working capital management.
• Monitor trust account balances and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.

Law Firm Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, firm policies, and legal industry accounting requirements.
• Oversee attorney trust accounting (IOLTA) and related reconciliations.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial risk management processes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team.
• Establish performance goals and professional development plans for staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with HR regarding payroll accounting, benefits accounting, and compensation reporting.

Partner Compensation & Firm Analysis

• Support partner compensation calculations and reporting.
• Analyze attorney productivity, realization, collections, and profitability.
• Prepare financial presentations and recommendations for executive leadership and partnership meetings.
• Provide actionable insights to improve firm financial performance.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee financial systems, accounting software, and reporting tools.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.
• Collaborate with IT and operational leaders on technology enhancements.
• Ensure data integrity and security of financial information.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• MBA or advanced finance degree is a plus.

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred. 
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including prior experience as a Controller or senior finance leader. 
• Law firm experience required. 
• Hands-on experience with Aderant is required. 
• Knowledge of and use of SQL and SSRS reporting with Aderant.
• Strong understanding of trust accounting and multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements. 
• Proven experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for a multi-office organization. 
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with legal billing, partner compensation models, and trust accounting.
• Advanced financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Strong knowledge of accounting software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with attorneys, partners, and executive leadership.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proven leadership and staff development capabilities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of monthly financial reporting.
• Budget and forecast accuracy.
• Cash flow management and working capital metrics.
• Trust account compliance and audit results.
• Profitability by attorney, practice group, and office.
• Accounting department efficiency and staff development outcomes.