Assistant Controller

Description

Company Overview

CMBG3 Law is a majority women-owned nationwide law firm comprised of a diverse team of pro-active trial attorneys, litigators, lobbyists, consultants, paralegals, and staff. CMBG3 Law takes a proactive approach to solving legal problems through best-in-class business counsel, regulatory compliance, risk prevention, government affairs advocacy, litigation, and national litigation management. We deliver custom-tailored legal strategies for complex matters requiring sophisticated scientific, regulatory, and technological expertise in state and federal courts in over 20 U.S. States from its east coast and west coast offices. CMBG3’s Cares division is committed to serving the communities in which it practices through pro bono work, charitable initiatives, and donations. CMBG3’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division sponsors programs to promote a diverse and inclusive culture.

Position Title: Assistant Controller

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Responsibilities:

The Assistant Controller supports the oversight of the firm’s accounting and financial operations and plays a key leadership role in managing the day-to-day activities of the accounting department. This position combines technical accounting expertise with hands-on operational management and staff supervision. The Assistant Controller ensures compliance with GAAP and Massachusetts-specific ethical and trust accounting requirements while maintaining accurate financial reporting and supporting firm leadership in a litigation-driven defense practice.

• Assist in overseeing all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, billing support, and month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, reconciliations, supporting schedules, and variance analyses.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, including all requirements related to client trust accounts and IOLTA management.
• Oversee trust account activity, including proper segregation of client funds and three-way reconciliations in accordance with Massachusetts requirements.
• Support cash flow management, operating accounts, and partner distributions.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners as directed by firm leadership.
• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to promote efficiency and mitigate risk.
• Supervise accounting staff, including billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll personnel.
• Review staff work for accuracy and compliance, manage workload distribution, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Provide training, mentoring, and performance feedback to team members.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and reporting accuracy.
• Collaborate with attorneys and administrative staff to address billing, collections, and financial inquiries.
• Maintain documentation standards and ensure cross-training within the accounting department to promote continuity of operations.
• Other responsibilities requested by Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required, master’s degree preferred. 
• Active CPA license in good standing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive accounting experience within a law firm or professional services environment, with law firm experience required.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience required.
• Strong knowledge of law firm accounting practices, including trust accounting and litigation billing structures.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts IOLTA compliance requirements strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in legal accounting and billing systems, with advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical abilities, and sound judgment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential financial and client information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with attorneys and senior leadership.

The firm’s expected salary range for this position is $125,000 - $145,000. Actual salary will be determined based on education, experience, internal equity and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law. The firm offers benefits including comprehensive health, vision, and dent