Controller

Kilpatrick, a large international law firm, is seeking a Controller for the Finance Department in our Atlanta office. This position will be part of our team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff providing a high level of service to both internal and external clients. At Kilpatrick we are one team where each person plays an integral role in serving the needs of our clients. The firm has a strong dedication to its employees, values, and commitment to the community.

The Controller is directly responsible for the leadership and management of the day-to-day operation of the firm's accounting, accounts payable and trust accounting functions. This position is responsible for the firm's accounting function, including the development, documentation and implementation of accounting policies and procedures. The Controller is also responsible for documenting control exceptions and developing and implementing process improvements, including the timely execution of internal controls to ensure that accounting records and published financials are accurate. This role manages the annual financial statement audit and provides audit support to the external CPA firm.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manage preparation of monthly financial statements and review for accuracy and completeness.
• Direct preparation and review of general ledger activity, account reconciliations, and actual/budget variances.
• Manage fixed assets activities to ensure accurate general ledger and fixed asset schedules for month and year-end closing, recording depreciation, and accounting for disposals.
• Lead and direct the work of two accountants.
• Train and develop accountants through delegation of responsibilities where appropriate, training, and timely performance feedback.
• Review and monitor reconciliations (including unreconciled balances) and report upon regularly to highlight the need and risk related to those issues, as well as any improvements or issues that need to be addressed as a root cause.
• Assist with the administration of firm bank operating accounts, to include releasing wires and signing checks.
• Execute transactions between the operating, money market and brokerage accounts to invest excess cash timely.
• Prepare and submit schedules/reports required under credit line agreements. Monitor compliance with loan covenants.

Responsible for the leadership and management of the firm's accounts payable department, including:

• Supporting accounts payable function, including accounting issues or process challenges.
• Providing timely and accurate attorney and staff reimbursements and vendor and third-party payments.
• Meeting the firm's rush check and funds returned to clients' requirements.
• Ensuring proper posting and accounting for accounts payable ledger entries and associated reconciliations, quality, and internal control.
• Compliance with related tax requirements.
• Controlling the firm's foreign currency transactions.
• Monitoring and reporting on compliance regarding the firm's accounts payable policies and procedures.
• Approving expense reports and invoices to ensure proper compliance and accounting.

Responsible for the leadership of the firm's trust accounting, including:

• Managing execution of our trust accounting by state to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Periodic reporting of trust transaction activity for attorneys and meeting with attorneys at least annually to review the accounting, validate accuracy of trust account balances and answer questions.
• Monitoring and developing procedures, policies, and processes to improve operation, internal controls, customer service and support.
• Enforcing trust accounting policies and procedures.
• Manage the annual financial statement audit, including working with external CPAs, preparation, and supervision of preparation of workpapers and responding to audit inquiries.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• Certified Public Accountant
• 5+ years of experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience.
• Experience with 3E is preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel background, including V-lookup, pivot tables, etc.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (data manipulation, advanced formulas, pivot tables, vlookups, etc.)
• Ability to provide leadership, perform as a team leader and operate well under pressure.
• Ability to integrate departmental needs with the needs of the other departments and the needs of the firm.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and delegate to ensure the smooth operation of the department.
• Ability to analyze, assess possible problems, prioritize concerns, and make decisions.
• Ability to motivate and empower others toward success.
• Full awareness of and willingness to abide by firm's policies, in particular those regarding confidentiality of financial information and securities trading.
• Ability to adapt schedule to changing workload requirements and lead by personal example.
• Ability to interface with partners, associates, clients, vendors, directors, managers, and support staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

This is a full-time, regular position with a multi-faceted health benefit package including medical, dental, and vision. The firm also offers life insurance, short term disability plans and retirement plans in addition to holidays and paid time off. The firm offers hybrid work schedules combining in office work days as well as remote work days. The pay range for this position in Atlanta only is $140,000 to $160,000 annually.

Selected applicants will be contacted. Kilpatrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information about our firm, please visit our website at www.ktslaw.com.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.