About the Opportunity
Quilling, Selander, Lownds, Winslett & Moser, P.C. seeks an experienced Business Manager/Controller to lead the firm's financial operations and serve as a trusted strategic advisor to firm leadership.
Reporting directly to the Managing Shareholder, this position offers an opportunity to play an integral role in the firm's financial management, business planning, and long-term success.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on financial leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with business acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business recommendations.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Accounting
- Oversee the firm's accounting operations, including financial reporting, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and payroll accounting.
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
- Manage the monthly close process, reconciliations, internal controls, and accounting procedures.
- Oversee client trust accounting and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
- Coordinate tax preparation, audits, and financial compliance matters with external advisors.
- Supervise and develop accounting personnel.
Financial Strategy & Business Planning
- Serve as a key financial advisor to the Managing Shareholder and firm leadership.
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
- Analyze revenue, expenses, collections, and profitability to identify trends and opportunities.
- Evaluate financial performance across practice groups, offices, and individual timekeepers.
- Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support business growth, investments, and strategic initiatives.
- Support financial analysis related to shareholder compensation, distributions, and profitability.
Business Management & Financial Oversight
- Manage banking relationships, treasury functions, and designated vendor relationships.
- Evaluate business expenses, vendor contracts, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Provide financial oversight and recommendations for significant business decisions.
- Participate in the evaluation and improvement of accounting systems, financial processes, and internal controls.
- Collaborate with firm leadership and administrative departments on financial and business initiatives.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- CPA strongly preferred; MBA or advanced degree a plus.
Experience
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3–5 years in a controller, assistant controller, or comparable leadership role.
- Prior experience in a law firm or professional-services partnership strongly preferred, including familiarity with origination, realization, and partnership accounting.
- Demonstrated experience preparing financial statements and leading a monthly close.
- Experience advising senior leadership or ownership on financial strategy.
Technical Competencies
- Strong command of GAAP and financial reporting, with working knowledge of partnership and cash-basis accounting.
- Expertise in internal controls, trust/IOLTA accounting compliance, and audit coordination.
- Proficiency with legal practice management, e-billing and accounting systems and advanced Excel skills.
- Working knowledge of tax compliance applicable to partnerships and professional firms.
Advisory & Business Competencies
- Excellent analytical and financial-modeling skills, with the ability to convert data into strategic recommendations.
- Strong business acumen and understanding of law firm economics and profitability drivers.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial concepts persuasively to non-financial partners.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle highly confidential financial and compensation information.
- Collaborative, proactive, and able to build credibility with attorneys and administrative leadership alike.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can see beyond the numbers and understand the business behind them.
The successful candidate will be comfortable taking ownership of the firm's financial operations while serving as a collaborative business partner to leadership. This individual should be able to identify opportunities for improvement, anticipate financial challenges, and provide practical recommendations that support the firm's continued growth.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- CPA certification
- MBA or advanced degree
- 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience
- 3–5 years in a controller, assistant controller, or comparable leadership role
- Experience preparing financial statements and leading a monthly close
- Experience advising senior leadership or ownership on financial strategy
- Prior law firm or professional-services partnership experience
- Familiarity with origination, realization, and partnership accounting
- Strong command of GAAP and working knowledge of partnership and cash-basis accounting
- Expertise in internal controls, trust/IOLTA accounting compliance, and audit coordination
- Proficiency with legal practice management, e-billing, and accounting systems
- Advanced Excel skills
- Working knowledge of partnership and professional-firm tax compliance
- Strong analytical and financial-modeling skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
What We Do
Quilling Selander Lownds Winslett & Moser is a mid-sized law firm providing litigation, bankruptcy, transactional, and family-law services. Its work includes complex commercial disputes, business planning, and matters involving financial institutions, real estate, insurance, and construction companies, as well as small and midsize businesses. The firm emphasizes experienced, cost-effective representation, combining sophisticated legal capabilities with the responsiveness and personal attention of a mid-sized practice.
