Controller

Job description

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential. A leading professional services firm is seeking an experienced **Controller** to oversee firmwide accounting operations and help drive strategic financial initiatives. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong teams, optimizing financial processes, and partnering with executive leadership to support long-term growth. Reporting to executive leadership, the Controller will lead all accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance while overseeing a large accounting team. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, a strategic mindset, and a background in professional services or law firm accounting. ### Key Responsibilities - Lead all accounting operations, including AP, billing, collections, payroll, cash receipts, and general ledger functions - Manage and develop accounting leadership and support the growth of the broader finance team - Oversee month-end close, journal entries, bank reconciliations, and financial statement preparation - Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning initiatives - Develop financial reports, dashboards, and analytics to support business decisions - Drive process improvements, system enhancements, and workflow automation - Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and regulatory requirements - Serve as the primary liaison for external audits and year-end financial reporting ### Qualifications - 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a management role - MBA or CPA preferred - Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred - Familiarity with Elite 3E, Aderant, or similar accounting systems is a plus - Advanced Excel skills and strong Microsoft Office proficiency - Excellent leadership, analytical, communication, and organizational skills ### Why Join? - Executive-level leadership role with direct impact on firm operations and strategy - Opportunity to lead and mentor a large, high-performing accounting team - Hybrid work schedule with a collaborative, growth-oriented culture - Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, HSA/FSA, 401(k), commuter benefits, and pet insurance