Controller

Position Overview

The Controller at Javaheri & Yahoudai, A Professional Law Corporation, is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the firm, ensuring fiscal accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. This role plays a key leadership position in maintaining financial integrity, managing budgeting and forecasting, and supporting the firm’s growth with data-driven financial analysis. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and experienced in law firm accounting—particularly in a contingency-fee environment. They must possess a deep understanding of legal trust accounting, cost management, and settlement disbursements, with the ability to streamline financial systems and implement strong internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Financial Management

· Manage daily accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and bank reconciliations.

· Oversee trust accounting, ensuring compliance with California Bar regulations.

· Maintain detailed records of client costs, case advances, and settlements.

· Lead month-end and year-end close processes.

· Ensure accurate and timely financial statements and reports.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Planning

· Develop, monitor, and adjust annual budgets in collaboration with firm leadership.

· Perform financial forecasting and modeling to support growth initiatives.

· Analyze performance metrics and provide strategic insights for operational improvements.

· Track profitability by case type, practice area, and attorney performance.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

· Monitor daily cash flow and manage firm liquidity.

· Oversee disbursement of settlement funds and attorney fees.

· Manage firm credit lines, financing agreements, and vendor relationships.

Compliance & Risk Management

· Ensure compliance with state and federal tax regulations and oversee timely filings.

· Coordinate with external auditors, CPAs, and tax advisors.

· Implement and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.

· Ensure all financial practices align with legal and ethical standards.

Technology & Financial Systems Optimization

· Evaluate and enhance accounting systems, tools, and processes.

· Lead implementation and training of accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Clio, or similar).

· Integrate financial data with CRM and case management platforms for seamless reporting.

Leadership & Collaboration

· Supervise and mentor accounting team members.

· Collaborate with attorneys, case managers, and executive leadership to support firm objectives.

· Prepare and present financial reports for monthly partner meetings.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).

· 5+ years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a law firm setting (PI firm experience strongly preferred).

· Expertise in legal trust accounting and contingency-based financial operations.

· Proficient in accounting software and financial reporting tools.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Exceptional attention to detail, confidentiality, and professionalism.

· Excellent communication and leadership abilities.