Controller

Controller - Mission-Driven Civil Litigation Law Firm

Location : Hybrid (NYC-based, 2 days remote)

Compensation : $140,000-$160,000 base

Reports to : CFO / COO

About the Firm

Our client is a mission-driven civil litigation firm dedicated to advancing systemic reform and protecting civil rights. The team combines the rigor of top-tier legal advocacy with a collaborative, human-centered culture. Employees here value purpose-driven work, flexibility, and mutual respect-an environment where professional excellence and personal balance go hand in hand.

The Opportunity

As the firm's first in-house Controller , you will play a pivotal role in building the financial infrastructure that supports a growing and impactful practice. Partnering closely with the CFO / COO, you'll bring key accounting functions in-house, enhance reporting and controls, and help modernize systems to position the firm for sustainable growth.

This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership opportunity. Ideal for a resourceful, communicative finance professional who thrives in entrepreneurial, mission-oriented settings.

Key Responsibilities of Controller :

Accounting & Financial Operations (40%)

Transition day-to-day bookkeeping from external vendors to internal oversight (QuickBooks Online).

Oversee general ledger management, journal entries, reconciliations, and monthly close processes.

Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with GAAP and internal policies.

Coordinate annual audit and tax filings with external partners.

Cash Flow Management & Financial Planning (30%)

Manage cash flow within a contingency-based revenue model.

Partner with CFO / COO to develop budgets, forecasts, and P&L analyses.

Support strategic planning and operational decision-making through financial modeling and reporting.

Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen efficiency and financial transparency.

Payroll, HRIS & Compliance (30%)

Oversee payroll processing through ADP and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Partner with leadership to assess and upgrade HRIS and PEO systems.

Collaborate on benefits administration, employee lifecycle processes, and vendor evaluations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience : 5-10+ years in accounting and finance, preferably within a law firm, nonprofit, or professional services environment.

Technical Skills : Proficient in QuickBooks Online, ADP, and related general ledger systems; strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.

Mindset : Hands-on yet strategic thinker who thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments.

Communication : Skilled at translating financial concepts for non-finance audiences; proactive and clear communicator.

Bonus : Experience with contingency-based revenue models or civil litigation firms.

Why Join Us?

Mission-Driven Impact : Support groundbreaking legal work that advances justice and systemic change.

Leadership Opportunity : Shape and scale the firm's accounting infrastructure from the ground up.

Career Growth : Potential to evolve into a Head of Finance or CFO-track role as the firm expands.

Collaborative Culture : Work with passionate, values-driven professionals in a flexible, trust-based environment.

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