The Controller has responsibilities for all finance operations at the firm, including but not limited to general accounting, accounts receivable, cash forecasting and management, tax reporting, financial planning and reporting and ad hoc finance based projects. Authority: The Controller manages all financial functions of the Firm in accordance with the Firm's policies and procedures and obtains approval from the Owner/Administrator when decisions are not covered by the policies and procedures or this job description. The Controller has the authority to make payments and purchases when pre-approved by the Owner or within the threshold amounts in the firm's policies and procedures. The Controller has authority to oversee and manage the daily operations of the employees, contractors, and vendors working in the finance/accounting department. The Controller does not have the authority to hire, fire, or spend resources without the Owner's permission, although this position's recommendations carry great weight with respect to these matters and other matters of significance. The Controller has the authority to stop transactions that do not comply with the firm's operating policies and procedures. Furthermore, the Controller has the authority to stop revenue transactions that do not conform to the firm's pricing and invoicing policies. The Controller does not have the authority to practice law, give legal advice, or set strategy on a per-case/per-client basis.Responsibilities:• Supervises the Bookkeeper, Billing Specialist, and any vendors providing financial services, includes participating in hiring/firing and giving the performance reviews. Until the positions are filled, the Controller is responsible for performing the functions of these positions.• Oversees and executes financial systems: billing, trust account management, accounts receivables, collections, bookkeeping, expense management, accounts payables, payroll, audits, taxes.• Coordinate with Owner and Senior Management Team on Business Plan and adjustments to the Budget. Implements and ensures adherence to the Firm's annual forward-looking budget.• Risk Management and Financial Controls.• Assists with planning and implementing changes in the accounting system.• Provide suggestions for Owner for further financial controls to streamline and protect the integrity of the financials of the law firm.• Identify and propose solutions to perceived risks.• If performing the Bookkeeper function.• Creates and reviews with the Administrator/CFO financial statements and key financial reports, prepares budgets, and advises the CFO and Owner regarding problems and proposed solutions. See PSS on Bookkeeping.• Daily monitoring of Bank Account balance, Credit Card Accounts, USPTO Deposit Account,• Daily monitoring of cash payments received and billing assistance.• Manages Accounts Payable to include receipt of vendor/subcontractor invoices, verify/review for approval, process payment and record in accounting software.• Monthly Account Reconciliations including Trust accounts, accounts receivable and all bank accounts.• Compare and reconcile month-end payments in Time Matters with Infusionsoft.• Tracks, measures and reports on Accounts Receivables and timeliness of payments. Advises Administrator/CFO of clients who have not paid and have A/R older than one billing cycle. Directs the Billing Specialist to initiate the first and second phases of A/R collections calls and performs the third phase of calls (leading to case closure and collections) in accordance with Firm policies and procedures. • See PSP on Tracking and Collecting Accounts Receivable and Client Non-payment.• Works with clients to address questions and concerns related to billing and payment and provides customer service to resolve issues and save relationships.• Works with the client, Merchant Service Provider, and credit card company to resolve disputes and requests for "charge back" or refund. Issues refunds with the express approval of the Owner.• Administers bi-weekly payroll (verifying work hours, leave time, overtime) and benefits.• Collects records of expenses of costs advanced to clients and updates the case management system and accounting system accordingly.• Supervises Billing Specialist to monitor and manage this position (person and outputs).• Timely preparation and delivery of invoices.• Clients' adherence with terms of payment plans.• Communications with clients regarding past due balances.• Acceptance of payments or negotiations of installment plans in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.• The approval from Controller/Administrator/Owner prior to committing the Firm to a non-standard agreement.• Prepares Annual Financial Statements and Reports for CPA to prepare Corporate Income Tax Returns. Prepares Annual 1099-Misc Tax Forms for Subcontractors. Prepares all other tax reports required by the state and/or federal governments• Ensures Annual License (State/County/City) renewal.Qualifications:• Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is generally required.• Advanced Degree: Many Controllers also hold a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a Master's in Accounting. Accounting Experience : • Significant experience in accounting is crucial. This often includes several years in roles such as staff accountant, senior accountant, or accounting manager. Supervisory Experience : • Experience in supervising and managing an accounting team is important for a Controller role. Industry Experience : • Experience in the legal industry or in a similar professional services environment can be particularly valuable, as it provides insight into the unique financial aspects of running a law firm. Technical Skills : • Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills are essential. Analytical Skills :• Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Communication Skills : • Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting to senior management and stakeholders. Attention to Detail : • Precision in handling financial records and ensuring accuracy in reporting. Leadership Skills :• Ability to lead and develop an accounting team, manage projects, and implement financial strategies.Plus if bilingualAbout Company: About Vasquez Law Firm,PLLCWith more than 35 years of combined legal experience, we know what is at stake, and we know how to get results in a wide range of practice areas. If you are facing a difficult situation, we are ready to put our experience and client-focused approach to work for you and your family.We help immigrants and their families navigate the legal aspects of immigration, criminal defense, personal injury, and workers compensation issues in their own language, connecting them with resources to improve their lives far beyond their court casesIf you have the drive and the skills to contribute to our mission and are ready to take on this challenging yet rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.
