Controller

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Financial Controller is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the Firm’s controllership function.  This includes general accounting, treasury, partner accounting and compensation administration, financial reporting and tax functions across our multi-office law firm environment.

The Controller ensures the integrity of the Firm’s financial information, maintains a robust internal control framework, oversees the Firm’s general accounting, treasury operations and banking relationships, and ensures compliance with applicable financial, tax and regulatory requirements. The role serves as a key advisor to the CFO and works closely with Firm Leadership, Practice Group Leaders, Talent , IT, and other internal and external stakeholders. The Controller will play a key role in supporting our complex multi-office law firm organization, ensuring the Firm maintains strong financial governance while providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.

The Financial Controller also serves as the business partner with our Financial Systems team for Elite 3E and other financial systems as applicable, ensuring effective utilization, reporting, and process optimization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting & Controllership

• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

• Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes.

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, accounting records and accounting policies:

• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger by maintaining the chart of accounts, reviewing accounts, reconciling discrepancies, and implementing appropriate controls.

• Update accounting policies as needed

• Deliver financial analysis and reporting to support strategic decision-making

• Establish and maintain appropriate accounting policies and procedures ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements

• Provide guidance and exercise judgment on significant, complex or unusual accounting matters.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Provide strategic oversight of the Firm’s treasury function.

• Oversee liquidity management and cash flow planning across all entities and offices.

• Manage banking relationships and financial institutions.

• Oversee revolving credit facilities, borrowing arrangements, and covenant compliance.

• Review short- and long-term cash forecasts.

• Ensure effective cash concentration and inter-company funding strategies.

• Oversee banking controls, payment authorization processes, and fraud prevention measures.

• Support funding strategies for partner distributions and major Firm initiatives.

• Monitor investment activities and optimize the Firm’s cash position.

Partner Accounting & Compensation

• Oversee the financial administration of the Firm's partner compensation process and ensure approved compensation decisions are accurately implemented.

• Review significant partner accounting, compensation and tax matters and provide guidance on complex or sensitive issues.

• Ensure appropriate reporting and analysis to support partner compensation, capital and other financial decisions.

• Ensure partner-related transactions are appropriately reported in the general ledger, treasury, and financial reporting processes.

Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead, mentor and develop the Assistant Controller and Manager, Treasury

• Establish performance expectations and support talent development and succession planning.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Maintain and strengthen the Firm's internal control environment ensuring appropriate processes, controls and review procedures, segregation of duties and oversight processes.

• Assess financial and operational risks within the controllership function and implement mitigation strategies.

• Oversee financial control reviews, remediation of identified control deficiencies and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Lead annual external audit processes and manage CRA and provincial tax audits as they arise.

• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies, including CRA, as applicable.

• Provide oversight of the Firm's tax compliance and related tax-management activities, including but not limited to, partnership, GST/HST and other statutory filings.

• Ensure compliance with Law Society and regulatory requirements.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Assist in the preparation and ongoing management of the annual budget and regular forecasts.

• Provide financial insight and analysis to the CFO, National Management Committee (NMC) and Board, when necessary

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Champion automation, workflow optimization, and finance transformation initiatives.

• Partner with technology teams on ERP, financial systems (Elite 3E), and reporting enhancements.

• Serve as executive business partner for Elite 3E financial operations.

• Lead financial systems enhancements, upgrades, and optimization initiatives.

• Drive AI automation and process improvement across finance operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA designation required as well as a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• 12+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience with a minimum 5 years in a senior controllership role.

• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment required.

• Technical Skills

• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., 3E/Elite, Aderant, or equivalent legal industry systems), Microsoft Excel (advanced), and other MS Office applications.

• Strong understanding of Canadian GAAP, IFRS/ASPE, and relevant tax regulations.