Position Overview
As Fractional Controller, this unique contract role (approximately 3 days per week in the office), offers both hands-on operational experience and expertise in financial operations, while leading a small accounting team and supporting the firm’s leadership with valuable financial insights.
Reporting directly to the CEO, this position will manage all financial, accounting and reporting law firm activities, including trust account reconciliations, managing billing and collections processes, and presenting financial insights to partners. The ideal candidate brings 5 to 8 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally with law firm or professional services experience, demonstrating technical excellence, strong execution capabilities, and strategic thinking.
Key Responsibilities
Budgeting, Financial Reporting & Analytics
- Budgeting process, financial reporting, variance analysis and recommendations, revenue forecasts, cash flow projections, monitor working capital.
- Analysis and dashboards of law firm metrics and KPIs including utilization and realization rates, revenue per lawyer, A/R collection effectiveness, WIP aging, practice group profitability, and competitive benchmarking, using customized and/or AI tools. practice group trends.
Team Coordination & Support
- Supervise workflow and effectiveness of accounting team, providing coaching, and mentoring to develop their technical and professional capabilities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Financial Management, Accounting Operations, Trust Accounting & Compliance
- Financial analysis and insights to support strategic planning, business development initiatives, and key firm decisions.
- Direct month-end and year-end close processes; financial statements, management reports, and partner compensation analyses.
- Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and trust accounting, bank reconciliations for operating and trust accounts.
- Maintain and update financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, ensure compliance with Canadian accounting standards and CRA regulations.
- Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners, serving as primary liaison for annual audits and regulatory filings.
- Ensure full compliance with Law Society of Alberta trust accounting, maintain detailed trust account records, resolve any irregularities, and maintain comprehensive audit.
- Monthly trust account reconciliations (bank statements, trust ledger, and client sub-ledgers), annual Law Society filings
- Billing, Collections & Revenue Management; accurate and timely billing, collection procedures.
Competencies and Behaviours
- Strategic thinking and strong business acumen with the ability to connect financial data to the firm strategy and provide forward-looking insights to support firm growth and transformation.
- Exceptional communication skills with ability to present complex financial information clearly to partners, lawyers, and non-financial stakeholders.
- Action-oriented and the ability to meet deadlines and manage unexpected tasks.
- Professional, approachable, and able to interact at all levels of the organization.
- Sound business judgement and decision-making abilities with the capacity to evaluate complex situations, balance competing interests, and make recommendations in the firm’s best interests.
- Advanced Excel and Power BI skills, including financial modeling, dashboard creation, and data analytics.
Education & Experience
- CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation, Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience.
- Experience leading a team.
- Direct law firm or professional services firm accounting experience is ideal.
- Advanced proficiency in accounting principles, billing practices, WIP management, and revenue recognition
