Controller

Steptoe - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Steptoe LLP, a prestigious Am Law 100 firm located in Washington, DC, is seeking a Controller to oversee and manage the firm's accounting operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the firm. The Controller will be responsible for the management and oversight of day-to-day accounting operations, treasury management, US payroll administration, and international accounting operations. The position requires a proactive approach to managing all aspects of the general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, treasury, and client trust accounts. The Controller will ensure that all processes are designed with appropriate segregation of duties and that documentation is clear and concise. This includes managing the accounting department's daily activities, ensuring timely and accurate accounting and reporting of all transactions, and overseeing the firm's expense reporting and invoice submission system. The role also involves assisting in the preparation of financial statements and other key financial reports for management, as well as preparing necessary reports for external parties such as banks, creditors, and insurance companies. In addition, the Controller will benchmark controls and operating procedures against similar companies to ensure best practices are followed within the industry. Monitoring the cash position of the company is crucial, including preparing monthly cash flow projections and liaising with banks regarding lines of credit and letters of credit. The Controller will maintain the general ledger, prepare reconciliations of significant accounts, and prepare for audits by external parties. Furthermore, the role includes directing the implementation of new technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Accounting Department, as well as managing the firm’s chart of accounts and performing ad hoc projects as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, treasury, and client trust accounts.
• Ensure all processes are appropriately designed for segregation of duties with clear and concise documentation.
• Manage the day-to-day accounting department activities, including the timely and accurate accounting and reporting of all transactions.
• Manage the firm's expense reporting and invoice submission system.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and prepare other key financial/business reports for management.
• Prepare necessary reports for external parties, including banks and other creditors, insurance and surety companies, underwriters, etc.
• Benchmark controls, operating procedures, and systems with other similar companies and ensure best practices in the industry.
• Monitor cash position of the company, including the preparation of monthly cash flow projections; liaise with banks regarding line of credit, letters of credit, etc.
• Maintain general ledger and prepare reconciliations of all significant accounts with external or other independent records; prepare journal entries for certain transactions and adjust existing accounts as necessary.
• Prepare for and participate in audits by external parties, including external accountants, government agency, etc.
• Direct and guide the implementation of new and improved technologies to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Accounting Department.
• Maintain and manage firm chart of accounts, including local statutory accounts.
• Perform ad hoc projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration required.
• Certified Public Accountant designation required.
• 7-10 years of accounting experience (prior law firm or professional services experience preferred) with at least 4 years of managerial experience.
• Excellent computer skills: experience in accounting software (Elite Enterprise/3E is preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience managing financial systems upgrades.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting and financial processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical ability to develop and implement improvements or recommendations.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Able to work well with senior executives and team, and coach and mentor other team members.

Nice-to-haves

• Pro-active self-starter with drive, enthusiasm and tenacity, possessing excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Good interpersonal skills and able to work effectively with firm Directors, Managers and staff in the accomplishment of the Accounting Department's objectives.
• Strong leadership and collaborative skills.
• Intermediate level experience or above in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Excellent attention to detail, prioritization and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and cope with high demand and varied workloads.
• Ability to leverage software and new technologies to carry out responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Dependent care
• Health care flexible spending accounts
• 401K Plan
• Profit-Sharing
• Paid Time-Off
• Robust Wellness Program