Controller

Job Description

Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, a national leader in plaintiffs' litigation, has an immediate opening for a highly motivated Controller to lead the accounting department.

Organizational/Team Setting:

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is a 140+ attorney law firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich. We are among the largest law firms in the United States that only represent plaintiffs. We are driven by a strong and principled

sense of social responsibility. We are committed to achieving justice for

investors, consumers, employees, patients, and business owners; promoting safer

products and fair competition; protecting our environment; assisting individuals blow the whistle on fraud; safeguarding the rights of patent and copyright holders; ensuring our right to privacy is preserved; and upholding the civil rights of citizens worldwide.

Described by The American Lawyer as “one of the nation’s premier plaintiffs’ firms,” Lieff Cabraser enjoys a national reputation for professional integrity and the successful prosecution of our clients’ claims. We possess sophisticated legal skills and the financial resources necessary for the handling of large, complex cases, and for litigating against some of the nation’s largest corporations. We take great pride in the leadership roles our firm plays in many of this country’s major cases, including those resulting in landmark decisions and precedent-setting rulings.

Our attorneys are recognized as some of the most qualified and skilled professionals in their fields. They are routinely appointed by federal and state courts to serve as leaders in national litigation. Many of our attorneys are directors and officers of local, state, and national bar organizations.

Controller Role

The Controller is responsible for the accounting operations of the firm, to include the production of periodic reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the firm’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles. Experience with Elite 3E highly preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.

· Manages the accounting staff which includes staff accountant/A/P, time and costs analysts, and accounting clerk

· Establishes and maintains systems and controls that verify the integrity of all systems, processes and data, and enhance the firm’s value

· Oversees the activities of the Accounting department for the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports

· Oversees the activities of the disbursement department, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, petty cash, attorney expense reports, cash control

· Oversees the activities of accounts receivables to ensure the accurate and timely management of all aging components

· Maintains a chart of accounts and general ledger, from which are compiled a set of financial statements

· Assists both internal and external auditors with their examination of the firm’s financial reports and controls

· Protects operations by keeping financial information and plans confidential

· Prepares special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends

· Complies with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipates future legislation, enforces adherence to requirements, files financial reports; advises management of needed actions

· Manages financial staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees

· Evaluates Accounting staff and makes recommendations for performance improvement plans

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Responds to requests in a professional manner

Identifies and responds to issues/problems in a timely manner, and seeks feedback/follow-up as appropriate

Builds effective working relationships as appropriate

FIRM KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrates knowledge of the firm’s culture, practices, business and structure

Demonstrates knowledge and adherence to basic firm policies, procedures and processes

WORK MANAGEMENT

Works well independently and in a team environment

Demonstrates dedication to producing quality work product

Pays attention to detail when completing work assignments

Organizes and prioritizes workload appropriately

Utilizes resources appropriately to complete work in the most efficient manner

Cooperates and demonstrates flexibility when facing change

COMMUNICATION

Interacts effectively and courteously, in person, by telephone, and in writing with attorneys, supervisors, co-workers and other business professionals

Proactively communicates the status of work

Understands the need to ask questions and seek guidance

Expresses thoughts clearly, accurately, and concisely, both verbally and in writing

TECHNOLOGY

Utilizes available technology to carry out job responsibilities

Determines most appropriate technology to accomplish a given task

Seeks ways to utilize technology to improve efficiency

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, the ideal candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration with 5-10 years’ related experience in a professional services environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced level experience with Thomson Reuters Elite Accounting Software (Elite 3E)

Advanced degree in Accounting

10+ years of proven working experience as a Controller

Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures

Previous law firm experience highly preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must have the ability to sit at workstation for several hours working on computer.

SHIFT/WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Regular business hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. However, the Controller, as an exempt employee, is expected to perform work outside of these hours. This may include evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package and an opportunity to thrive in a dynamic firm environment. Annual salary range is $200,000 - $255,631 (depending on experience). Position is currently hybrid with onsite attendance required 3-days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), with the option of remote work on Monday and Friday after a 3-month training period has been completed.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination administered by a third party will be required as a condition of employment in accordance with applicable law. Such documentation should omit any medical information. Any record of vaccination will be maintained as confidential.

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an environment of diversity and inclusion. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. For more information on our firm, visit us at

Full-time