Controller
The Controller at Stampone O'Brien Dilsheimer Holloway, a distinguished personal injury law firm based in Philadelphia, is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including trust accounting compliance, case cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. This role requires a strong understanding of law firm finance, particularly the unique accounting requirements of a contingency-fee-based personal injury practice, including client trust (IOLTA) accounting, case cost tracking, and settlement disbursement processes.
Key responsibilities include managing day-to-day accounting operations such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance. The Controller is also tasked with managing and reconciling client trust accounts (IOLTA) in strict compliance with state bar regulations, overseeing case cost accounting to ensure accurate tracking of advanced litigation costs per case/client matter, and coordinating settlement disbursement processing, including verification of liens, medical bills, attorney fees, and net client proceeds. Additionally, the role involves preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for partners/ownership, developing and managing the firm's annual operating budget, and managing cash flow forecasting, accounting for the irregular timing of contingency fee revenue. The Controller ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local tax filings and regulatory requirements, coordinates with outside CPA firms for tax preparation and annual financial audits/reviews, implements and maintains strong internal controls to safeguard firm and client assets from risk and fraud, supervises, trains, and mentors accounting/bookkeeping staff, analyzes firm profitability by practice area, referral source, or case type to support strategic decision-making, manages the firm's banking relationships, lines of credit, and any case cost financing arrangements, supports partner compensation calculations and distributions, and recommends and implements process improvements and accounting system upgrades, including participation in technological advancements and modern financial systems.
The ideal candidate will have 10-15 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 5 years in a law firm environment; personal injury or plaintiff-side litigation experience is highly preferred. A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; CPA designation is strongly preferred. Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools, with experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks Online and legal practice management/accounting software such as Filevine, Litify, Needles, Clio, PCLaw, or similar, is essential. Demonstrated expertise in trust accounting and IOLTA compliance requirements, with strong knowledge of GAAP and case cost/disbursement accounting methodologies, is necessary. Experience managing firm budgets, cash flow forecasting, including settlement-driven revenue timing, and financial audits is required. Strong leadership skills with experience supervising, training, and mentoring accounting/bookkeeping staff are important. Excellent communication skills to interface with partners, attorneys, outside auditors, and tax preparers are essential. A high degree of integrity and discretion given the handling of client trust funds and settlement proceeds is crucial.
The expected total compensation for a candidate with approximately 10-15 years of relevant experience, particularly with law firm and trust accounting expertise, typically ranges as follows:
- Base Salary: $120,000 - $160,000+ annually
Additional perks include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, a 401(k) plan with firm matching contributions, generous paid time off policies to promote work-life balance, performance-based bonuses linked to firm achievements and personal goals, and the potential for one remote workday per week.
Joining Stampone O'Brien Dilsheimer Holloway offers the opportunity to shape and influence the financial strategy of a leading personal injury law firm. The role provides access to collaborate closely with firm leadership, impacting significant decisions and improvements. It offers the chance to play a key role in building financial infrastructure that supports legal victories and client satisfaction. The firm fosters an innovative environment, driving process improvements and implementing modern financial systems, including participation in technological advancements.
","city":"Cheltenham","state":"PA","country":"United States","job_type":"full_time","location_type":"on_site","salary_min":12000000,"salary_max":16000000,"salary_currency":"USD","salary_frequency":"Annual","latitude":40.0603,"longitude":-75.0603,"categories":["Legal Tech","Law Firm","In-House Legal"],"company_description":"Founded in 1984, Stampone O'Brien Dilsheimer Holloway is a distinguished personal injury law firm based in Philadelphia. We specialize in handling complex cases, including catastrophic accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to delivering justice and have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Our firm prides itself on a 99% success rate, advocating tirelessly for our clients' rights. Our mission extends beyond winning cases; we aim to make a positive impact on the community through our dedicated legal services. With a deep understanding of personal injury law, we provide compassionate and robust representation, ensuring clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm culture is built on integrity, excellence, and commitment to client advocacy, fostering a supportive environment for both clients and employees. ","company_website":"