Controller (Southern California)

Best Best & Krieger LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on delivering effective and client-service oriented solutions to complex legal issues facing public agencies, businesses and individuals across the U.S. BBK is proud to trace the firm's success back to the groundwork of professionalism and community service laid by its founders 135 years ago. Today, with nearly 250 attorneys in offices throughout California and in Oregon and Washington, D.C., we efficiently and meaningfully assist our clients with complex, multi-disciplinary issues and provide creative solutions.

 

At BBK, we place a high degree of value in creating and nurturing a work environment that attracts the best talent and reflects our commitment to culture, community and equal opportunity. We are proud of our workplace culture, where we respect and value our colleagues for their unique perspectives and experiences.

 

The Controller is responsible for the leadership, management, and integrity of the Firm’s accounting operations, including general ledger, financial reporting, accounts payable, partner accounting, and selected compliance activities.

 

The Controller partners closely with the CFO to maintain strong financial operations, accurate reporting, and effective internal controls in a collaborative environment. The Controller is expected to take full ownership of the Firm’s accounting operations and financial reporting processes, with the CFO serving as a strategic partner and remaining engaged in key financial areas.

 

This role is expected to be hands-on in key areas while leading through a capable team, with a focus on reviewing work, strengthening processes, and ensuring accountability across the function.

 

This role operates within a multi-office, partner-based professional services environment.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounting Operations and Close

• Lead and continue to strengthen the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Review key journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules prepared by the team
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial reporting
• Maintain and enhance the chart of accounts and accounting structure
• Establish and enforce close timelines, standards, and accountability

Financial Reporting and Audit Support

• Oversee and review internal financial reporting packages, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness
• Ensure financial statements are accurate and aligned with GAAP and firm policies
• Lead and own coordination of the annual external audit
• Review audit schedules and supporting documentation prepared by the team, stepping in on complex areas as needed
• Support the CFO with periodic financial reporting and analysis

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff and managers
• Establish priorities, monitor workload, and promote accountability across the team
• Promote accountability, cross-training, and continuous improvement
• Foster a collaborative, low-ego team environment

Partner Accounting and Tax Coordination

• Prepare and/or review partner capital account schedules, ensuring accuracy and alignment with financial records
• Oversee partner distribution processes, including preparation and review of calculations and related reporting
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on required financial data and deliverables
• Review K-1 support schedules and tie-outs to financial records prior to distribution
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of partner-related financial reporting
• Establish processes and controls to support scalability and appropriate delegation of partner accounting activities over time

Fixed Assets, Compliance & Business Support

• Review and ensure accuracy of fixed asset accounting, capitalization, and depreciation processes performed by the team
• Oversee business license tracking, renewals, and related filings, ensuring timely and accurate completion by the team
• Ensure documentation and consistency across compliance processes

Internal Controls and Process Improvement

• Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and risk mitigation across financial processes
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities
• Promote data integrity and consistency across financial systems

Cash Management Support

• Oversee cash management, account monitoring, and related treasury activities, including review of cash activity and controls
• Review cash activity and ensure proper controls are in place
• Partner with the CFO on cash reporting and short-term liquidity visibility

Systems & Data Integrity

• Support financial systems and related processes
• Ensure integrity of accounting, client, and matter data
• Partner with team members to improve reporting capabilities and system utilization

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned

 

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Experience leading month-end close and reviewing accounting work products
• Ability to balance hands-on involvement with effective delegation
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Practical, process-oriented mindset with focus on continuous improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/financial systems

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA preferred
• Minimum 8 years of progressive accounting experience
• Prior experience managing accounting teams and operations​​​​​​​
• Law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred
• Experience with Elite 3E, Aderant, or similar systems preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position operates in a professional services environment and involves regular use of computers and standard office technology. The role may require additional time during month-end, year-end, audit, and other peak periods.

 

The reasonably expected pay scale for this position with 8 or more years of experience is is $160,000 - $175,000 annually, exempt. The actual salary within that range will depend on the selected candidate’s location and experience. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

 

Best Best & Krieger is an equal opportunity employer.