Our client is a leading law firm that seeks tech-oriented, entrepreneurial types who thrive on autonomy and flexibility to work with its innovative client base.
It is well known for its innovative work with technology and life sciences companies and is home to nearly 500 attorneys across seven offices.
They represent more than 3,000 startup clients, of which more than 100 are unicorns (companies valued at $1 billion or more), and more than 300 public company clients located in business and financial hubs around the world.
The firm is among the top five firms in Vault’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital ranking and continues to lead in the technology sector, handling a number of the largest venture capital financings.
Clients span numerous established as well as nascent industries, including autonomous transportation, blockchain, communications, consumer goods and retail, digital health, fintech, games, hardware, life sciences, semiconductors, and software.
The firm has grown beyond its Silicon Valley roots, with three thriving offices in California, an established office in Seattle, a rapidly growing office in New York, an international office in China, and a newly opened office in Washington, DC.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Finance Department has an opening for an Assistant Controller who will be responsible for managing general accounting operations and related staff including income statement projections and analysis, fixed assets, banking, partner compensation, and account reconciliations and analysis. The position will also assist in coordination of the annual budget process and financial statement review process. This position can be based in any of our west coast offices, but travel to the Bay Area offices will be required on a monthly basis or depending on business needs.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
● Manage, mentor and develop the Staff Accountants
● Ensure reconciliations are performed and adjustments made as needed for all relevant balance sheet accounts including cash accounts
● Oversee the maintenance of fixed assets and accumulated depreciation records using fixed asset application; ensure fixed asset inventory database is updated; provide depreciation analysis and projections throughout the year
● Calculate partner earnings and applicable components (i.e., capital and other deductions) to provide to payroll; oversee various journals needed to record partner earnings; maintain partner points charts; perform compensation analysis as necessary
● Maintain partner capital records and updated capital statements
● Prepare monthly variance analysis and maintain a rolling year end projection
● Manage vendor record set up and maintenance in accounting software and 3rd party payment platform
● Oversee the daily treasury operations, including monitoring cash flow forecasts to ensure adequate funding for operations and managing the firm’s accounts with various financial institutions
● Ensure documentation required by banks are prepared and filed timely
● Manage Shanghai office SOW calculation and funding; monitor cash flow needs; produce quarterly financial statements for Shanghai operations
● Oversee completion and filing of Personal Property Tax Filing
● Assist with the oversight and preparation of the firm annual budget; coordinate with and assist various department heads on completion of their budgets
● Assist with the coordination of financial statement audit/review and any property tax audits
● Serve as back up for wires and payment approvals
● Create, maintain and update process documentation; create new documentation as needed
● Perform accounting research and communicate conclusions
● Create best practice procedures for accounting activities and drive process improvements, utilizing technology to improve efficiency
WORK EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS:
● 5+ years of general accounting experience
● 3+ years of management experience. Experience at a professional services firm is preferred and law firm experience a plus.
● Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance or a related field is required.
● Self-motivated and excellent organizational skills
● Detail oriented and effective at problem solving
● Strong written and verbal communication skills and respect for confidentiality
● Ability to work in a team environment and interact with professionals at all levels
● Able to handle changing priorities, multi-task and oversee various concurrent projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
● Ability to train, manage and motivate staff in order to complete required projects and meet deadlines
● Knowledge of GAAP and accounting concepts
● Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills